Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss Results in Fence Impact (N337Z)

Alturas, CA, US

On August 25, 2005, a Beech 35-A33 (registration N337Z) operated by Robert A. Paananen was involved in an aviation accident near Alturas, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undertermined reasons. 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 experienced a loss of engine power during a forced landing after switching fuel tanks, resulting in the airplane landing short and impacting a fence.

Factual Report

The airplane impacted terrain and a fence during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. According to the pilot, he checked the fuel tanks prior to departing on the flight and noted that the right main fuel tank was full, the left main tank was "partial", both auxiliary tanks were full and the tip tanks were empty.

Aircraft Fuel Management

He flew the airplane to the destination airport utilizing the left fuel tank. As the flight neared the destination airport, the pilot switched the fuel tank selector from the left to the right tank. The engine began sputtering and lost power. The pilot turned on the fuel boost pump but the engine power did not improve.

Accident Sequence

During the forced landing at the destination airport, the airplane landed short, bounced in the air and impacted a fence before coming to rest.

Post-Accident Examination

According to a mechanic who examined the airplane after the accident, the left main fuel tank was empty and the right main fuel tank was almost full.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051019X01692. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.