Casualties unknown

Engine Failure on Final Approach Leads to Stall and Ground Impact (N35MD)

Daytona Beach, FL, US

On June 7, 1997, a Beech V35 (registration N35MD) was involved in an aviation accident near Daytona Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagement of fuel, resulting in fuel exhaustion. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that the engine quit on final approach, leading to a stall and left wing tip impact after switching fuel tanks. The pilot later stated the right tank was exhausted.

Incident Overview

During a flight to a destination airport, the pilot experienced an engine failure while on final approach. According to the pilot's account, the engine stopped operating at that phase of the flight. In response, the pilot switched the fuel tank selection from the right to the left tank and attempted to restart the engine. However, the pilot reported that there was insufficient time to complete the restart procedure.

Sequence of Events

After crossing the displaced threshold of the runway, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The loss of lift caused the left wing tip to make contact with the ground. Subsequently, the aircraft came to a stop in an upright, right-side-up attitude.

Pilot Statement

In a follow-up statement, the pilot indicated that the fuel in the right tank had been fully consumed during the flight, implying that the engine failure resulted from fuel exhaustion. No further details regarding fuel management or the specific aircraft type were provided.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained impact damage to the left wing tip, but the pilot did not report any injuries. The airplane remained upright after coming to rest.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08056. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.