Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management.
NTSB analysis
The airplane had been fueled and then flown for about 3.25 hours prior to landing at a private airstrip. After dropping off a passenger, the pilot departed from the private airstrip and was en route to a nearby airport when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing into a reservoir, which resulted in substantial damage to the ailerons. The airplane was recovered from the reservoir, and about 20 and 12 gallons of fluid were drained from the right and left wing fuel tanks, respectively. The fluid from the right tank was determined to be aviation fuel; however, the fluid from the left tank was determined to be water only and void of fuel. The fuel selector was selected to the left tank. The postaccident examination revealed no other anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA059 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 2, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chesterfield, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Chesterfield County Airport (FCI)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech F33A
- N-number
- N833
- 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.