What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-10-30 involved a Beech 95-B55, registration N8322N, at Williams, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a loss of engine power in the right engine due to fuel exhaustion, caused by the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to refuel the airplane. Also causal was his failure to feather the right propeller and to maintain directional control of the airplane.

Engine Power Loss During Takeoff Initial Climb Leads to Impact with Trees and Terrain (N8322N)

On October 30, 2003, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N8322N) was involved in an aviation accident near Williams, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loss of engine power in the right engine due to fuel exhaustion, caused by the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and failure to refuel the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During takeoff climb, the right engine lost power at about 150 feet. The pilot did not feather the propeller. Post-accident fuel drainage totaled 2 gallons; no preimpact engine anomalies found.

Accident Overview

The airplane experienced a loss of power in the right engine approximately 150 feet above ground level during the initial climb after takeoff. The airplane subsequently veered to the right and impacted trees and terrain.

Pilot Actions

The pilot, who was in the process of purchasing the airplane, performed a preflight inspection. During the preflight, he noted that the fuel level appeared low and commented on the low fuel state to the owner. The owner responded that there was sufficient fuel for several pattern flights, and the pilot did not add any additional fuel to the tanks. After the power loss, the pilot did not attempt to feather the right engine's propeller, as he later told Federal Aviation Administration inspectors.

Fuel Status

Following the accident, the pilot reported that he did not smell fuel around the airplane. First responders at the scene observed no leaking fuel and no odor of fuel. During aircraft recovery, personnel drained a total of 2 gallons of fuel from the airplane.

Engine Examination

A visual inspection and continuity check of the right engine revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded the engine from producing power.

2003-10-30: Beech 95-B55 (N8322N) — Williams, AZ