Probable cause
Total loss of engine power due to a fuel supply interruption from the left tank for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in the subsequent forced landing into trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and passenger were on a 2-hour personal flight. Midway to the destination, the pilot switched the fuel selector from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank. While on a visual approach about 1 hour later, the engine lost power. The pilot's attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful, and he made a forced landing into trees, which resulted in damage to both wings.
One week before the accident, while the pilot was flying the same route, the engine lost power while on a visual approach. The pilot switched the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank and landed uneventfully. After landing, he switched from the right tank to the left tank and repeated the process twice; the engine lost power both times with the left tank selected. Maintenance personnel were unable to determine a cause for the power loss events, and the pilot flew the airplane back to his home airport without incident. The accident occurred on the next flight.
A review of engine data indicated that the four power loss events occurred when the left fuel tank was about half full (19 gallons) and that they were consistent with an interruption of fuel supply to the engine.
Examination of the fuel system revealed that the fuel selector left detent was worn; however, because both in-flight power loss events occurred without the pilot moving the fuel selector, this issue is not relevant to the accident. No other anomalies were found with the fuel system, including the left-wing fuel tank (bladder) or venting system.
Although the investigation was unable to identify any anomalies with the left fuel tank and venting system, the circumstances of the power loss events are consistent with a loss of fuel flow from the left tank.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA302 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brainerd, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Brainerd Lakes Rgnl (BRD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Beech A36
- N-number
- N1856W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.