N83LP

Substantial
Minor

Beech S35S/N: D7775

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, June 15, 2008
NTSB Number
MIA08CA120
Location
Creola, AL
Event ID
20080709X01000
Coordinates
30.913055, -87.980278
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
3
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate fuel calculations resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N83LP
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
D7775
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1965
Model / ICAO
S35BE35
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
ROWLAND JEFF
Address
PO BOX 10
Status
Deregistered
City
POINT
State / Zip Code
TX 75472-0010
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of a Beech S35 stated he departed on an instrument flight rules flight in visual flight conditions, from Texas to Alabama, without filling the fuel tanks. He climbed to his cruising altitude, and flew on the right main fuel tank until the fuel was exhausted. He switched the fuel selector to the left main fuel tank and requested a lower altitude from air traffic control (ATC). During the approved descent the engine quit. He turned on the boost pump and the engine continued to windmill. The pilot stated he did not engage the starter because he expected the engine to start. He switched the fuel selector back to the right main fuel tank, then left main fuel tank, and back to the right main fuel tank. The engine did not start and the left main fuel tank gauge indicated low. He checked the global position system for the nearest airport, cancelled his instrument flight plan with the air traffic controller, and continued direct to the airport, entering a left downwind while descending. The engine attempted to start and stopped. The pilot turned base, and lowered the landing gear very close to the ground after clearing trees. The left wing stalled, the left wing tip and nose of the airplane collided with the ground, and the airplane came to a complete stop upright. The pilot further stated, " As far as I can tell, I landed with out fuel."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA08CA120