Casualties unknown

Fuel Mismanagement Leads to Forced Landing in Rough Terrain (N3BE)

Mitchell, NE, US

On July 26, 1997, a Beech D50A (registration N3BE) operated by James Adams was involved in an aviation accident near Mitchell, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to recheck fueling and individual tanks. 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

After maintenance, the pilot fueled only outboard auxiliary tanks and did not check main tanks. Left engine lost power, leading to a forced landing that damaged the landing gear and fuselage.

Accident

Following maintenance work on the aircraft, the pilot had the aircraft fueled. 25 gallons of fuel were put into each outboard auxiliary tank. The fueler reported that the pilot removed the outboard fuel caps and he filled those tanks; the pilot then replaced the fuel caps after fueling was completed. The main tanks located on the inside of the engine nacelle were not filled.

The pilot performed a run up and partial power taxi, returned, checked the engines for leaks, and departed. After leveling off at 1500 feet above ground level and 10 minutes en route, the left engine lost power. The pilot switched to the auxiliary tank; the engine gained power but then quit. The pilot prepared for landing and landed in a rough field. During the landing, the right main gear and nose gear separated from the aircraft, and the fuselage wrinkled behind the cockpit.

Post-Accident Findings

The pilot reported the next day that he checked the left main tank and found it to be 'bone dry.' The pilot stated he 'failed to recheck fueling and individual tanks.'

Probable cause

The pilot failed to recheck fueling and individual tanks.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.