On December 28, 1996, a Beech A36 (registration N23652) operated by Rodney Bailey was involved in an aviation accident near Pensacola, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply that resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was low ceilings. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a loss of engine power on final approach after a missed instrument approach. The pilot failed to restart the engine, and the aircraft collided with trees short of the runway. Post-accident examination found no mechanical issues but revealed no fuel in the left fuel tank, with the fuel selector set to that tank.
Incident Sequence
The flight arrived at the destination airport, and the pilot completed an instrument approach. Low clouds prevented a landing, so the pilot requested a second instrument approach. While on a five-mile final, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. Efforts to restart the engine failed, and the airplane collided with trees five miles short of the airport.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airframe did not disclose a mechanical problem or a system malfunction. During inspection of the wing assembly, no fuel was recovered from the left fuel tank. The right wing displayed evidence of hydraulic fluid action in the vicinity of the fuel tank installation; the left fuel bladder was not damaged. The engine operated through all power ranges during a functional test. The aircraft fuel selector was found in the left tank position.