On April 10, 2003, a Beech K35 (registration N614Q) operated by Douglas C. Johnson was involved in an aviation accident near Richmond, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the fuel supply during the aircraft preflight which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor associated with the accident was the wires. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft substantially damaged in forced landing after total engine power loss during ferry flight. Fuel lines disconnected, no fuel found in most tanks; pilot reported erratic fuel gauges.
Accident
The aircraft sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The pilot was ferrying the airplane to California for its new owner. During the forced landing, the pilot banked the airplane to avoid hitting power lines. The airplane came to rest inverted.
Fuel System Examination
Post-accident inspection revealed that the fuel lines to the fuel distribution manifold were disconnected and no fuel was present. Further examination of the fuel tanks showed that the left outboard fuel tank contained approximately one quart of 100 low lead fuel. No fuel was found in the other tanks.
Pilot and Pre-Accident Fuel Information
The pilot reported that he had taken off with 47 gallons of fuel on board. The airplane had not been flown for approximately 10 years. During the month prior to the accident, the fuel tanks were drained and the airplane was then fueled with 47.5 gallons of fuel. The aircraft owner subsequently started the airplane and ran the engine for approximately 40 minutes. No additional fuel was added before the accident flight. The accident pilot stated that the fuel gauges were erratic.
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