Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss and Fuel Starvation Near Rock Hill Airport (N9JQ)

Rock Hill, SC, US

On July 24, 2005, a Beech V35B (registration N9JQ) was involved in an aviation accident near Rock Hill, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply , which resulted in fuel starvation 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 canceled an instrument flight plan and continued under VFR. The aircraft maneuvered 10 miles southwest of the destination before losing engine power. Post-accident examination revealed no fuel in the fuel lines and an empty left tip tank.

Flight History

The pilot canceled the instrument flight plan approximately four miles from the destination airport and proceeded under visual flight rules (VFR). Radar data showed that the flight continued about 10 miles southwest of the destination airport, where it maneuvered before returning toward the airport.

Witness Reports

Witnesses located roughly one mile from the airport reported hearing the engine cut in and out before it lost power entirely. The airplane descended until it was below a nearby tree line.

Post-Accident Examination

First responders found the downed airplane in a subdivision one mile southwest of the Rock Hill Airport. Examination of the fuel system revealed no fuel in the lines from the main tanks to the mechanical fuel pump. The fuel selector was positioned to the left tip tank, and the electrical crossfeed selector switch was off. No fuel was present in the left tip tank, which had not been breached. The certified flight instructor involved could not recall details of the flight or the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050801X01123. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.