Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel management during cruise flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was in level cruise flight, about 2,300 feet above ground level, when both engines experienced a simultaneous complete loss of power. The pilot reported he was unable to restart either engine and established a glide for an emergency landing on a county road. During the landing, the airplane impacted 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 failed to notice that 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 was observed in the right fuel tank after the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA633 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 6, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Damon, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 95-B55 (T42A)
- N-number
- N742LB
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.