Casualties unknown

1997-01-17: Beech D95A (N44BP) — James Sean Gatchell — Olathe, KS

Olathe, KS, US

On January 17, 1997, a Beech D95A (registration N44BP) operated by James Sean Gatchell was involved in an aviation accident near Olathe, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot improperly selecting the 'off' position on the left engine fuel selector valve, his failure to verify the fuel selector valve's proper position prior to landing, and his inability to obtain best rate-of-climb single-engine speed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing flare, tower advised go-around. Pilot applied full throttle and climb attitude, but airplane yawed left. Despite full right rudder and right engine power, it descended. Pilot landed in field; wreckage examination revealed left engine fuel selector in OFF position.

Accident

The airplane was in the flare for landing when the tower advised the pilot, "you are not going to make it; go around." The pilot responded by applying full throttle and establishing a climb attitude. Shortly thereafter, the pilot noticed the airplane yaw to the left. In an attempt to correct, the pilot applied full right rudder, turned into the right engine, and verified that the right engine was at full power. Despite these actions, the airplane was not climbing and continued to yaw to the left. The airplane continued its turn to the left and began to descend.

Flight

Faced with the deteriorating flight path, the pilot elected to put the airplane down in a field located sort of some houses. The airplane slid across the field, struck some trees, and spun around before coming to a stop. No further information about occupants or injuries was provided in the source.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left engine fuel selector switch was in the OFF position. The switch position indicates that fuel was not being supplied to the left engine during the go-around attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07270. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.