N701DW

Substantial
Minor

Beech A23AS/N: M-977

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, June 29, 2008
NTSB Number
CHI08CA173
Location
Sheboygan, WI
Event ID
20080811X01209
Coordinates
43.769165, -87.852218
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper fuel management that led to fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the drainage ditch.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N701DW
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
M-977
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1966
Model / ICAO
A23ABE23
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WHITE RICHARD
Address
1627 INDIANA AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
SHEBOYGAN
State / Zip Code
WI 53081-4829
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he departed with 30 gallons of fuel onboard. He estimated that the right and left fuel tanks contained 20 gallons and 10 gallons, respectively. The pilot reported that the accident flight was 2 hours 20 minutes in duration. While on final approach the engine lost power and the airplane impacted a 6 foot wide drainage ditch. The airplane sustained damage to the left wing, the lower fuselage structure, and the nose and left landing gear. Post accident inspection of the airplane showed that the right tank was empty and there was fuel present in the left tank. The pilot reported that he planned on a fuel burn rate of 8-1/2 gallons per hour. Using that fuel burn, the calculated fuel consumption for the accident flight was 19.8 gallons. The pilot said the accident could have been prevented if he had switched fuel tanks before the loss of engine power.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA173