On August 23, 1998, a Beech B35 (registration N5210C) was involved in an aviation accident near Iowa City, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fuel starvation due to improper fuel management by the pilot-in-command. Also, the aircraft procedures and directives which were not followed by the pilot-in-command is an additional cause. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Examination of a Beechcraft B35 revealed the fuel selector on the left main tank (3/4 full), right tank empty, and auxiliary tank partially full. Engine testing showed no anomalies.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel selector was positioned to the left main fuel tank. The left main tank contained approximately 3/4 full of a light blue colored fuel. The right main tank was empty. The 20-gallon auxiliary fuel tank was estimated to be between 1/2 and 3/4 full of fuel.
Engine Testing
The engine, a Teledyne Continental E185-11 (serial number 26643-D-8-11), was shipped to Teledyne Continental Motors for examination and testing under the supervision of the National Transportation Safety Board. The testing and examination revealed no anomalies in the engine.
Pilot's Operating Handbook Guidance
The limitations section of the Beechcraft B35 Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) states: "Do not take off when the Fuel Quantity Gages indicate in the Yellow Band or with less than 10 gallons in each main tank." Additionally, the systems description of fuel tank selection in the POH states: "In no case should a take-off be made ... with less than 10 gallons of fuel in each main tank."
What happened in the 23 Aug 1998 Beech B35 accident near Iowa City, IA?
Examination of a Beechcraft B35 revealed the fuel selector on the left main tank (3/4 full), right tank empty, and auxiliary tank partially full. Engine testing showed no anomalies.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Aug 1998 involved a Beech B35, registration N5210C, at Iowa City, IA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The fuel starvation due to improper fuel management by the pilot-in-command. Also, the aircraft procedures and directives which were not followed by the pilot-in-command is an additional cause. The rough and uneven terrain in addition to the low altitude of the aircraft were contributing factors.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…