Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
While in cruise flight, the engine lost power while the fuel selector was positioned on the left tank. The pilot positioned the fuel selector to the right tank and the engine momentarily regained power. However, the engine gradually lost power completely and did not regain power again, although the pilot switched back and forth between the right and left fuel tanks. The pilot conducted a forced landing on a road. The pilot inadvertently delayed extending the landing gear; as a result, the landing gear was only partially extended and subsequently collapsed when the airplane touched down on the paved road, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination revealed minimal fuel in the left tank and about 20 gallons in the right tank. The engine was subsequently run successfully, and no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation were observed. It is likely that the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA188 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 28, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Coalinga, California
- Nearest airport
- Harris Ranch Airport (308)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
V35B
- N-number
- N2841W
- 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.