On December 7, 1996, a Beech 95-C55 (registration N66MB) was involved in an aviation accident near Riverside, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel starvation due to improper fuel management. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's preoccupation of discussing the legality of the approach with the tower controller, and fatigue. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on a visual approach in dense fog executed a go-around during which both engines failed. The aircraft was found hours later. Fuel mismanagement was indicated by postaccident examination.
Flight Summary
The pilot was operating an aircraft under visual flight rules with advisories from SOCAL approach control. The controller reported visibility less than 1/8 mile in fog and an overcast ceiling at 300 feet. When the aircraft was 7 miles south-southeast of the approach fix, the pilot stated he could see the airport and requested a weather check from the tower. The local controller reported tower visibility less than 1/8 mile with runway and approach lights at full intensity. The pilot indicated he could not see the tower. He was cleared for a visual landing and advised that the runway visual range was less than 1,000 feet. The last communication occurred when the aircraft was 1 mile out on final approach.
Go-Around and Engine Failure
During the go-around or missed approach, the pilot reported that both engines ceased operating within seconds of each other. He stated that he switched fuel tanks and activated the boost pumps. The aircraft wreckage was located nearly 5 hours later following an intensive ground search hampered by ground fog.
Fuel System Examination
Postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed that the main fuel selectors were positioned on the main tanks. The auxiliary fuel tanks were empty, while the right main tank contained fuel. The left main tank was damaged and empty.
Pilot's Duty Day
The pilot's duty period began at 1000 hours the previous morning.