Casualties unknown

2001-03-10: Beech 55 (N8472N) — Lake Wales, FL

Lake Wales, FL, US

On March 10, 2001, a Beech 55 (registration N8472N) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Wales, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engines failed due to fuel starvation. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing in a pasture after both engines lost power while on final approach to runway 6.

What happened

While performing the final approach to land on runway 6, an unspecified aircraft experienced a loss of power in both engines. The failure occurred approximately 100 feet above the ground and one-quarter mile from the touchdown point.

In response to the dual engine failure, the pilot attempted a forced landing in a nearby pasture. During the course of the landing, the main landing gear was torn away from the airframe. The aircraft sustained major structural damage during the event. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft determined that the engines failed because of fuel starvation. Prior to the forced landing, the pilot did not report any mechanical or component failures.

Records indicate the pilot had been flying for approximately three hours before the loss of power occurred. During the flight to the destination airport, fuel was drawn from the auxiliary tanks. While both the descent and before-landing checklists require the pilot to switch the fuel selectors to the main tanks during final approach, the investigation focused on the starvation of the engines.

Probable cause

The engines failed due to fuel starvation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010314X00579. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.