Casualties unknown

Dual Engine Power Loss Leads to Off-Airport Landing (N34HA)

Summerville, SC, US

On September 22, 2003, a Beech A90 (registration N34HA) was involved in an aviation accident near Summerville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported fueling each wing with 20 gallons before a short cross-country flight. After climbing to 9,500 feet, both engines lost power on approach, leading to an off-airport landing. Fuel tanks were not beached with residual fuel found.

Pilot Report and Fueling

According to the pilot, prior to departure, he had the airplane fueled with 20 gallons of fuel in each wing for the planned short cross-country flight. After takeoff, the airplane climbed to an altitude of 9,500 feet.

Loss of Engine Power

During the downwind leg of the arrival airport's traffic pattern, the right engine lost power. Shortly after, the left engine lost power. The pilot then performed an emergency off-airport landing.

Post-Incident Inspection

Examination of the fuel system revealed that the fuel tanks were not beached, and there was a small amount of residual fuel in the fuel tanks. The exact amount of fuel onboard the airplane at the time of departure was not determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030930X01623. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.