Occurrence Details
On 13 May 2024 at approximately 8:45 AM local time (1245 UTC), a Beechcraft Baron 58, United States registration N208P, experienced a fuel-related serious incident while en route to Treasure Cay Airport (MYAT), Abaco, Bahamas. The aircraft was on a private flight with two persons on board under an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan.
The flight had departed Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (KZPH), Florida, at 7:08 AM local, en route to Sebring Regional Airport (KSEF), Florida. After landing at Sebring, it departed again at 7:51 AM for Treasure Cay.
Engine Failure and Diversion
The pilot in command reported that the flight was uneventful until approximately 30 minutes into the leg when the right engine began to surge and eventually shut down completely. The cockpit fuel gauge indicated low fuel. The pilot contacted Miami Center (ATC) and requested the nearest airport. ATC advised West End Airport (MYGW), Grand Bahama, Bahamas, 35 nautical miles away. The pilot altered course and followed the manufacturer's single-engine procedures, successfully landing on runway 12 at MYGW without further incident.
Investigation Findings
No injuries were reported and no damage to the aircraft occurred. Post-accident investigation revealed that the pilot had misattributed an earlier fuel purchase on a previous flight as the current fuel status for the accident flight. In fact, the aircraft had only approximately 30 gallons of fuel. Additionally, the pilot indicated that a thorough pre-flight inspection was not conducted. These lapses led to the operation of the aircraft with an inadequate amount of fuel for the intended route.
Weather at the time was visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and was not a factor. No safety recommendations were issued, as existing regulatory provisions (Title 14 CFR Part 91.103(a)) already require pilots to become familiar with fuel requirements before flight.