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Engine Power Loss Due to Fuel Mismanagement During Cruise

Damon, TX, United States

On September 6, 2011, a BEECH 95-B55 (T42A) was involved in an aviation accident near Damon, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to notice that the fuel selector for the right engine was in the crossfeed position, resulting in both engines drawing fuel from the left tank until depletion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Both engines lost power in cruise at 2,300 ft agl due to fuel starvation. The pilot attempted an off-field landing but the aircraft hit terrain 150 ft short, sustaining substantial damage.

Accident Overview

During a level cruise flight at approximately 2,300 feet above ground level, both engines experienced a simultaneous and complete loss of power. The pilot reported being unable to restart either engine and established a glide path for an emergency off-field landing on a county road.

Impact and Damage

The aircraft impacted flat terrain covered in thick mesquite bushes, coming to rest about 150 feet short of the intended landing spot. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage.

Fuel System Investigation

Post-accident examination revealed that approximately 35 gallons of fuel remained in the right fuel tank. The pilot stated that he had failed to notice the fuel selector for the right engine was positioned to "cross feed." Consequently, both engines drew fuel from the left tank during the flight until that tank was depleted.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to notice that the fuel selector for the right engine was in the crossfeed position, resulting in both engines drawing fuel from the left tank until depletion.

Contributing factors

Fluid managementPilot
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 2011 BEECH 95-B55 (T42A) accident near Damon, TX?

Both engines lost power in cruise at 2,300 ft agl due to fuel starvation. The pilot attempted an off-field landing but the aircraft hit terrain 150 ft short, sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Sept 2011 BEECH 95-B55 (T42A) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 2011 involved a BEECH 95-B55 (T42A), at Damon, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to notice that the fuel selector for the right engine was in the crossfeed position, resulting in both engines drawing fuel from the left tank until depletion.

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