Beech H35 N5537D accident near Des Moines, Iowa

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel planning.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that a few minutes after takeoff the airplane's alternator indicated a discharge condition. He elected to return to the departure airport. On final approach to land, about 100 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The airplane impacted short of the runway, striking an airport security fence. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel strainer and fuel line to the engine contained no fuel. The fuel selector was found in the OFF position. When moved to the main or auxiliary tank positions fuel flowed to the fuel line at the engine. About 2 gallons of fuel remained in the left main tank and about 3 gallons in each auxiliary tank. There was no fuel visible in the right main fuel tank. The unusable fuel for each main tank is 3 gallons, and 0.5 gallon for each auxiliary tank. No other anomalies were found with the airplane's systems. The pilot said that he had departed with the fuel selector set to the left main fuel tank as required by the pilot’s operating handbook.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA148 for the full record.