Accident Overview
On May 3, 2009, at approximately 2106 central daylight time, a Beech 35-C33 airplane, registration N528BM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after experiencing a loss of engine power following takeoff from Addison Airport (ADS) in Addison, Texas. Both commercial pilots aboard sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The repositioning flight was originating from ADS and was en route to Hicks Airfield (T67) in Fort Worth, Texas. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Pilot Experience and Flight History
The pilot occupying the left seat was flying to build high-performance pilot-in-command (PIC) time. His first flight in the accident airplane occurred earlier that afternoon, when he and the airplane owner—also a commercial pilot—flew the owner's son from T67 to ADS. The pilot stated he was unfamiliar with the airplane.
Pre-Flight and Fuel Status
The owner-pilot, seated in the right seat, stated he checked the fuel before the flight to ADS and determined each main tank contained between 15 and 20 gallons of fuel. The fuel selector was positioned on the right main tank at that time.
Sequence of Events
During departure from the initial takeoff, when the airplane was approximately 200 feet above the ground, the engine began sputtering. The owner-pilot immediately suspected the fuel selector was still on the right main tank and should have been switched to the left main tank. He attempted to reach the fuel selector, located under the pilot's left leg, but could not. He then took control of the airplane, and the pilot switched the fuel selector. The pilot could not recall which tank the selector was on. The owner-pilot attempted to return to ADS for landing, but the airplane landed short of the runway on airport property.
Pilot Statements
On the NTSB Accident/Incident Report (Form 6120.1), the owner-pilot stated: "I believe we took-off on the [right main fuel tank] and ran it empty. There [was not] time for the fuel in the [left main fuel tank] to restart the engine before we hit the ground. Other factors were that [the pilot] was unfamiliar with the airplane and I [was not] double checking him." He also reported, "The aircraft hit the ground before I could see [the ground]."
Damage and Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed the left main landing gear strut was sheared off and pushed up through the left wing. The left horizontal stabilizer was damaged, and the fuselage was partially buckled. Investigators found the left wing tank intact with approximately five to six gallons of fuel, while the right wing tank was empty. The fuel selector was found in the left tank position.
A post-accident engine inspection showed the fuel inlet line and fuel vapor line were both dry and contained no fuel. Fuel was observed in the fuel manifold. The inspection revealed no abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation.