Beech A36 N36PS accident near Fort Worth, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that before departure, both fuel tanks were 3/4 full and that he maintained fuel balance by switching between the left and right tanks "several times" during the flight. As he approached his destination, he requested and received vectors for a practice instrument approach to a nearby airport but then requested termination of the approach and said he would proceed to his original destination. Shortly after the airplane climbed to 1,500 ft (900 ft above ground level), the engine lost power. The pilot switched the fuel selector "to the other tank" and attempted to restart the engine to no avail. He stated that he did not turn on the electric boost pump (as required in the emergency checklist) and that the airplane was too low to the ground for him to reference the emergency checklist. He lowered the landing gear but did not lower the flaps for landing. The airplane touched down on soft earth, and the nose gear collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the nose. An unknown quantity of fuel was drained from the left tank, and the right tank was empty. The fuel that was sumped from the airplane's left tank appeared to be clear, bright, and free of contaminants. The fuel selector was positioned on the left tank. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were noted with the engine or fuel system that would have precluded normal operations. It is likely the engine lost power due to fuel starvation and the pilot failed to switch fuel tanks before exhausting the fuel in the right tank.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19TA073 for the full record.