No fatalities

2009-10-06: Beechcraft 100 King Air (N2TX) — Robert J. Schumacher — Aurora, United States of America

Aurora, United States of AmericaFlight

On October 6, 2009, a Beechcraft 100 King Air (registration N2TX) operated by Robert J. Schumacher was involved in an aviation accident near Aurora, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel management. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781196543Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot added fuel before departure but initiated crossfeed en route, leading to both engines losing power. A forced landing ensued after a brief power surge. Examination found no mechanical anomalies and minimal residual fuel.

Event Overview

Prior to departure, the pilot added fuel to the multi-engine airplane. During the flight to the destination airport, the fuel gauges indicated that the right main tank appeared nearly empty while the left tank showed half full. In response, the pilot initiated the crossfeed procedure to supply fuel to both engines from the left main tank.

Power Loss and Forced Landing

Shortly after beginning the crossfeed procedure, both engines experienced a total loss of power. The pilot notified air traffic control and selected a field for a forced landing. Just before touchdown, the right engine produced a brief surge of power, causing the airplane to roll to the left. The surge ended abruptly, and the pilot continued the forced landing by lowering the landing gear and extending the flaps. The airplane impacted the ground and came to rest in an open field.

Post-Impact Examination

A postimpact examination revealed no anomalies with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Both fuel tanks were ruptured, but the accident scene contained only a small amount of residual fuel. A small fuel slick was found on the surface of a nearby pond; however, the grass beneath both wings was not dead, which would have been expected if more than a negligible amount of fuel had been present at the time of impact.

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel management.