This October 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Beech G35.
Location: Lexington, S.C.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: According to the pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight at 1,600 feet MSL, when the engine “sputtered” and lost all power. The fuel selector was positioned to the left main fuel tank. The pilot attempted to restart the engine using the right fuel tank and then the auxilliary fuel tanks, but was unsuccessful. He performed a forced landing on a road. The right wing hit a telephone pole and was substantially damaged.
Examination of the left fuel tank revealed that it was empty.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate fuel management.
