Beech 95B55 N323MT accident near Clewiston, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to perform the appropriate emergency checklists following the loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed on a cross-country flight with the fuel selectors set to the main fuel tanks. Upon reaching a cruise altitude of 6,000 ft, the left engine lost total power. The pilot tried to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Shortly thereafter, the right engine lost total power. The pilot reported that he did not use the emergency checklist or switch the fuel selector to another tank, as he was too busy trying to restart the engines. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane impacted an irrigation ditch, resulting in substantial damage.

The fuel selector was found set to the main fuel tanks, which were devoid of fuel. However, measurable fuel was found in the remaining two auxiliary tanks. Examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Given the available evidence, it is likely that the loss of engine power was due to the pilot's mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in fuel starvation. It is also likely that, had the pilot completed the emergency checklist for a loss of engine power/engine restart, fuel flow and engine power would have been restored.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA136 for the full record.