5 Apr 2016: BEECH A23 A

5 Apr 2016: BEECH A23 A — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Hulbert, OK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and collision with terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that about 5 hours into a night cross country flight the engine started running rough. He switched between the left and right fuel tanks several times, adjusted the mixture, but was unsuccessful in correcting the issue. The pilot further reported that he knew that he would not make it to the nearest airport, so he turned on his landing light and looked for a place to land. The pilot landed the airplane in a pond, and came to rest on the shore.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

A postaccident examination revealed that the right and left fuel tanks were empty.

According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

cause Pilot
cause Fluid level
Fluid management

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 090/04kt, vis 10sm

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