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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 8, 1994 · Beech K35 · N153C

Grand Rapids, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 8, 1994
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Aircraft
Beech K35
Tail Number
N153C
Operator
Richard J Van Lente
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA225

AFTER COMPLETING THREE PRACTICE INSTRUMENT APPROACHES, THE PILOT PREPARED TO RETURN TO HIS DEPARTURE AIRPORT WHEN THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT INITIATED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING. AFTER REALIZING THAT HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT LEVELED THE WINGS AND RAISED THE NOSE IN PREPARATION FOR IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. AFTER IMPACT, THE AIRPLANE SKIDDED TO REST. POSTACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO BE IN THE LEFT INBOARD POSITION. VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE FUEL TANK REVEALED THE TANK WAS LOW TO EMPTY. ALL TANKS WERE INTACT AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A FUEL SPILL AT THE SCENE.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper fuel tank selection resulting in fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On July 8, 1994, at 1700 central daylight time, a Beech K35, N153C, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing short of runway 18 at Grand Rapids Airport, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The private pilot and safety pilot received minor injuries. The flight operated in visual meteorological conditions under 14 CFR Part 91 on an IFR flight plan. The flight originated in Ionia, Michigan, en route to Grand Rapids, Michigan, with the intent to practice instrument approaches. The pilot stated they departed Ionia Airport at 1600, performed a VOR check off of the Grand Rapids VOR, and then received a clearance for an ILS approach to runway 26L at Grand Rapids. After completing three practice approaches, the pilot states he removed the instrument practice hood in preparation for a climb to 3000 feet MSL to return to Ionia. He states that seconds after he removed the hood he noticed that the engine was not developing power. The pilot then initiated emergency procedures for an engine out. After declaring an emergency to air traffic control, the pilot states he concentrated on returning to Grand Rapids to land on runway 28. Realizing that he would not be able to make it back to the runwy, he leveled the wings and raised the nose in preparation for impact with the ground. After impact, the airplane skidded to rest. A postaccident inspection revealed the fuel selector to be in the left inboard position. A visual inspection of the fuel tanks revealed the left outboard tank was empty, the left inboard tank was low to empty, the right outboard tank was low to empty, and the right inboard tank was full. No fuel was present in the fuel line connected to the fuel pump. All tanks were found intact and there was no evidence of a fuel spill at the scene.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 EDT
Nearest AirportKent County (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech K35
Tail NumberN153C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard J Van Lente
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-C · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 10 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4600 ft
Altimeter0
Observation Time21:17
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data