What happened
On August 10, 2008, a BEECH 95-B55 aircraft, registration N98HA, was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight when it crashed in heavily wooded, mountainous terrain approximately 28 miles north of Sitka, Alaska. The flight had originally departed from Gustavus, Alaska, after a stop in Gustavus to refuel. However, the pilot reported that the fuel pumps at Gustavus were unavailable because the facility was locked.
After finding Gustavus closed, the pilot decided to divert to Sitka. During communications with the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), the pilot expressed concern regarding fuel levels, stating, "I hope we have enough fuel." The pilot initially requested an approach to Juneau, but after struggling to join the localizer for the approach, elected to continue toward Sitka instead.
At approximately 2138, the pilot transmitted a garbled message to air traffic control stating, "Looks like we's having trouble with our left engine." The aircraft did not arrive at Sitka and was reported overdue. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter located the wreckage in dense, old-growth timber later that night. The pilot and the sole passenger were killed.
The investigation
Investigators from the NTSB and the FAA examined the wreckage and the aircraft's engines. While the right engine was unable to undergo a full power run due to impact damage to the propeller crankshaft flange, the left engine produced full power during testing. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were found in the engines or the airframe.
An Alaska State Trooper at the scene noted that the airplane's fuel tanks were empty and observed no smell of fuel around the wreckage. The left wing fuel tank appeared intact, while the right wing rubber bladder had been torn during the impact.
Medical examinations of the pilot revealed an enlarged heart and evidence of previous small strokes. Toxicological testing was negative for alcohol but found levels of Amlodipine and Warfarin, medications used for treating high blood pressure and preventing blood clots. The pilot's medical certificate had been denied earlier that year due to a history of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation.