Casualties unknown

2003-01-18: Beech 65 (N115HF) — James A. Pritchard — Fitzgerald, GA

Fitzgerald, GA, US

On January 18, 2003, a Beech 65 (registration N115HF) operated by James A. Pritchard was involved in an aviation accident near Fitzgerald, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply that resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power in both engines. A factor was a tree. 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 reported a loss of left engine power minutes after switching fuel tanks near Macon, Georgia, followed by right engine power loss. A forced landing resulted in nose wheel collapse and left wing tree strike, but no mechanical issues were found.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, the flight was uneventful until he switched fuel tanks near Macon, Georgia. Several minutes after the fuel selectors were switched, the pilot reported a loss of left engine power. The pilot declared an emergency and requested radar vectors to the nearest airport.

Dual Engine Power Loss

While en route to the nearest airport, the right engine lost power. The pilot selected an open field and attempted a forced landing.

Forced Landing and Damage

During the forced landing, the nose wheel assembly collapsed, and the left wing collided with a tree.

Post-Accident Examination

Both engines were test run after the accident and operated without any anomalies. A total of sixty gallons of fuel was recovered from the airplane during the recovery from the accident site. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane before the accident. The post-accident examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030124X00104. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.