Casualties unknown

Engine Failure and Forced Landing After Go-Around at Woodward Field (N4863J)

Lugoff, SC, US

On June 28, 1997, a Beech 35-C33A (registration N4863J) operated by Rodney A. Stewart was involved in an aviation accident near Lugoff, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks during the go-around, due to a mistaken belief that he was using the fullest tank, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine failure. 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

During a go-around at Woodward Field, the engine quit. The pilot did not switch fuel tanks as per emergency procedures, believing he was using the fullest tank. Unable to restart, he performed an off-airport emergency landing.

Event Overview

During a go-around following an approach to Woodward Field, the airplane's engine suddenly stopped. The pilot believed he was using the fullest tank (the left tank) and therefore decided not to switch tanks as outlined in the emergency procedures. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot executed an off-airport emergency landing.

Fuel Status

Fuel calculations indicated that the airplane should have had approximately 29 minutes of fuel remaining at the time of the event. However, post-accident examination revealed that the left tank contained about 3 gallons of fuel, which the airframe manufacturer considered unusable.

Post-Accident Examination

During the examination, it was found that the right tank had ruptured upon impact and showed evidence of hydraulic actuation. The left tank remained intact and held approximately 3 gallons of fuel deemed unusable by the manufacturer.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to switch fuel tanks during the go-around, due to a mistaken belief that he was using the fullest tank, leading to fuel exhaustion and engine failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08054. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.