Beech D35 N2991B accident near Vine Grove, Kentucky

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to ensure that the fuel selector was properly positioned before takeoff, which resulted in the subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that, when he departed for the personal flight, there were 15 gallons of fuel in each of the wing fuel tanks. During the initial climb, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. Subsequently, the pilot performed an emergency off-airport landing. During the landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and firewall.

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The right fuel tank was breached, and an undetermined amount of fuel was noted in the left fuel tank. About 1 gallon of fuel was drained from the auxiliary fuel tank drain valve. Although the pilot stated that he did not remember which fuel tank he had selected before takeoff, given the airplane's fuel state that he reported before takeoff and the fuel observed in the airplane postaccident, it is likely that the pilot mistakenly departed with the fuel selector positioned to the auxiliary fuel tank, which according to the manufacturer, was to be used only during level flight and not for takeoff or landing and that this resulted in the subsequent total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA062 for the full record.