Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation due to an age-related failure of the engine-driven fuel pump. Also causal was the failure of the maintenance facility to overhaul the fuel pump and the failure of the operator to ensure that the pump was overhauled.
NTSB analysis
The airplane lost total engine power while climbing through about 200 feet above ground level after takeoff. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the engine-driven fuel pump was leaking fuel through an internal diaphragm and out of a vent hole, thus fuel was not reaching the engine. Although the engine was overhauled about 11 years before the accident, the operator's mechanic stated that there were no records showing that the engine driven fuel pump was overhauled at that time or at any time since it was installed on the engine about 1956. The engine manufacturer recommends that all engine accessories be overhauled when the engine is overhauled.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA491 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Medina, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Medina Municipal Airport (1G5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech C35
- N-number
- N1883D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.