Accident Details
On December 15, 2011, at approximately 1605 central standard time, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N275D) sustained substantial damage during a forced landing to a residential street in Midland, Texas. The aircraft was on final approach to Midland Airpark (MDD) when both engines lost power. The airplane was operated by Midland College under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airline transport pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The flight departed from Biggs Skypatch Airport (43OK) in Wellston, Oklahoma, at 1425.
Flight and Fuel Management
According to the pilot, the airplane departed with approximately 65 gallons of fuel. The fuel selectors were positioned to the main (MAIN) tanks for takeoff. Shortly after departure, the pilot switched to the auxiliary (AUX) tanks to consume that fuel first. About 30 minutes later, the left engine began to vibrate, indicating insufficient fuel flow. The pilot moved the left fuel selector from AUX to MAIN, which resolved the issue. At that point, the left engine drew from the left MAIN tank and the right engine from the right AUX tank.
Later, the right engine exhibited similar vibrations, and the pilot switched the right fuel selector from AUX to MAIN, correcting the problem. Both selectors were then in the MAIN position. Approximately 35 miles from MDD, the pilot decided to crossfeed to balance the main tanks. He set the right fuel selector to CROSS FEED and the left to AUX. The pilot and passenger consulted the flight manual for crossfeed procedures.
Forced Landing and Aftermath
After entering the airport traffic pattern and completing the before-landing checklist, the aircraft was on final approach about one mile from the runway when both engines lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engines without success. Unable to reach the runway, he selected a residential road for a forced landing. During the landing, the left wing and fuselage sustained structural damage. Both occupants exited the aircraft unassisted.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures. Due to impact damage, the quantity of fuel remaining in the MAIN and AUX tanks could not be determined. In the accident report, the pilot stated he misinterpreted the aircraft's crossfeed fuel operation and suggested he should have stopped en route for fuel.