Summary
On September 06, 2011, a Beech 95-B55 (T42A) (N742LB) was involved in an incident near Damon, TX. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot’s improper fuel management during cruise flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
The airplane was in level cruise flight, about 2,300 feet above ground level (agl), when both engines had a simultaneous complete loss of power. The pilot reported he was unable to restart either engine and established a glide for an emergency off field landing on a county road. The airplane impacted flat terrain in thick mesquite bushes about 150 feet short of the intended landing spot and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that he had failed to notice the fuel selector for the right engine was in the “cross feed” position and that both engines were using fuel from the left fuel tank until the fuel in the left tank was depleted. Approximately 35 gallons of fuel were found in the right fuel tank after the accident.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA633. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N742LB.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper fuel management during cruise flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The airplane was in level cruise flight, about 2,300 feet above ground level (agl), when both engines had a simultaneous complete loss of power. The pilot reported he was unable to restart either engine and established a glide for an emergency off field landing on a county road. The airplane impacted flat terrain in thick mesquite bushes about 150 feet short of the intended landing spot and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that he had failed to notice the fuel selector for the right engine was in the “cross feed” position and that both engines were using fuel from the left fuel tank until the fuel in the left tank was depleted. Approximately 35 gallons of fuel were found in the right fuel tank after the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA633