Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that about 5 hours into a night cross country flight the engine started running rough. He switched between the left and right fuel tanks several times, adjusted the mixture, but was unsuccessful in correcting the issue. The pilot further reported that he knew that he would not make it to the nearest airport, so he turned on his landing light and looked for a place to land. The pilot landed the airplane in a pond, and came to rest on the shore.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
A postaccident examination revealed that the right and left fuel tanks were empty.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA177 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 5, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hulbert, Oklahoma
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Beech A23
- N-number
- N5791V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.