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Casualties unknown

Pilot Feathers Both Propellers After Mistaking Prop Levers for Throttles (N2031W)

Beaumont, CA, US

On July 3, 1997, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N2031W) was involved in an aviation accident near Beaumont, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadvertent movement of the propeller controls, instead of the throttle levers, which resulted in an inadvertent dual engine shutdown. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, a pilot heard wind noise from the cabin door but continued. After leveling off, the door opened. While trying to reduce airspeed, the pilot inadvertently retarded the prop levers, feathering both propellers. Unable to unfeather due to missing accumulators, an emergency landing was made.

Incident Details

During takeoff, the pilot heard wind noise coming from the cabin door but decided to continue the flight. After leveling off, however, the cabin door suddenly popped open. The pilot tried unsuccessfully to close the door. Failing that, he attempted to reduce his airspeed by retarding the throttles. Without looking, he inadvertently retarded the prop levers that were on the left side of the quadrant. Since the levers also served as feather switches when in the retarded position, both propellers went into full feather.

The pilot attempted to bring both propellers out of feather, but because the aircraft was not equipped with unfeathering accumulators, he was unable to do so. He finally restarted the left engine, but it did not immediately develop enough power to allow him to arrest his descent and maintain a safe single-engine airspeed. With only a few hundred feet of altitude remaining, he decided to make an emergency landing.

Pilot Background

The pilot reported that he regularly flew aircraft which had throttles located on the left side of the quadrant. He also stated that he had not flown a 95-B55 in nearly 10 months, and then had only flown it 8 hours during the previous 12 months.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jul 1997 Beech 95-B55 accident near Beaumont, CA?

During takeoff, a pilot heard wind noise from the cabin door but continued. After leveling off, the door opened. While trying to reduce airspeed, the pilot inadvertently retarded the prop levers, feathering both propellers. Unable to unfeather due to missing accumulators, an emergency landing was made.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jul 1997 involved a Beech 95-B55, registration N2031W, at Beaumont, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadvertent movement of the propeller controls, instead of the throttle levers, which resulted in an inadvertent dual engine shutdown. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to properly secure the door during preflight, and his lack of recent experience in this make and model of…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08419. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.