Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and a loss of engine power en-route.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane was being ferried for maintenance of its fuel system. About 15 minutes into the flight, the pilot reported that he intentionally emptied the right main fuel tank to facilitate maintenance at the destination airport. Subsequently, the airplane lost engine power and he maneuvered the airplane for landing in an open field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right rear wing spar.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector who examined the airplane at the accident site, the fuel tanks were found void of fuel. The right tip tank had some fuel, but no usable fuel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA022 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 17, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Market, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Crawfordsville Muni (CFJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A36
- N-number
- N900TM
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
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.