Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and inaccurate fuel consumption calculations, resulting in fuel starvation and engine failure, and the subsequent collision with trees during a forced landing. A factor related to the accident was the turbulent air conditions during the approach.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On Sunday, September 4, 1994, at 1415 eastern daylight time, a Beech C35, N5291C, registered to and piloted by John M. Miller, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Rhinebeck, New York. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot stated that he preflighted the airplane prior to the flight, including a visual check of the fuel supply. He estimated the fuel load at 12 gallons, which he determined was sufficient fuel for the 15 minute flight.
The pilot was performing a visual landing to runway 36, when "the engine suddenly slowed down and stopped." He initiated a forced landing, and the airplane impacted trees in a densely wooded area, shearing off the right wing. The airplane came to rest inverted.
In his report, the pilot stated, "the air was quite rough during the turn and approach....the trouble was probably caused by the rough air sloshing the fuel in the left tank, causing slugs of air to enter the fuel line to the fuel pump...It would have been more prudent to have topped off the left tank before takeoff."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC94LA168