On April 27, 2003, a Beech A23 (registration N1483L) was involved in an aviation accident near Brunswick, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Maintenance personnel's failure to secure the fitting on a fuel line, which resulted in a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lost engine power and was forced to land in a wooded area. Post-accident examination found a loose fuel line fitting, fuel only in the left tank, and no fuel in the gascolator, with fuel leaking from the engine.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that the engine lost power and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. Despite efforts to sustain altitude, the pilot selected an emergency landing area. The aircraft subsequently executed a forced landing in a wooded location, touching down approximately two miles short of the runway. The airplane sustained damage during the landing.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot, the initial event was a loss of engine power that prevented the aircraft from maintaining altitude. Attempts by the pilot to restore altitude were unsuccessful, leading to the decision to identify an emergency landing site.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed a loose fuel line fitting. The fitting was still attached but observed to be loose. The right fuel tank contained no fuel, while fuel was recovered from the left fuel tank. No fuel was present in the gascolator. However, fuel was found leaking from the engine compartment after the accident.