On September 17, 2000, a Beech H35 (registration N5448D) was involved in an aviation accident near Wagoner, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb, for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a touch-and-go landing and departure, the engine lost total power at 75 feet agl. The airplane impacted the ground in the runway overrun area, crossed a state highway, and came to rest upright in a ditch. Post-accident examination revealed empty auxiliary fuel tanks and full main tanks, with the fuel selector in the left main tank position.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was performing touch-and-go landings. On final approach, the fuel selector was moved from the auxiliary tanks to the left main tank. The airplane touched down and was reconfigured for takeoff, then departed. While climbing through 75 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot was unable to restart the engine. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground in the runway overrun area, crossed a state highway, and came to rest upright in a ditch.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane. The examination revealed that both auxiliary fuel tanks were empty, both main fuel tanks were full, and the cockpit fuel selector was in the left main tank position.