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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 16, 1995 · Beech E35 · N456F

Pottsville, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 16, 1995
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Pottsville, PA
Aircraft
Beech E35
Tail Number
N456F
Operator
Scorpion Industries
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC95LA159

After departure, at approximately 100-200 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. The airplane descended and struck trees approximately 1000 yards from the departure end of the runway. Examination of the wreckage revealed that there was fuel in the fuel tanks. No oil leaks or obvious discrepancies were observed. An examination of the engine revealed a blockage in the fuel line from the firewall to the inlet side of the engine-driven fuel pump. The blockage appeared to be rubber shavings from the inside of the fuel hose, caused by improper installation of the fittings on the end of the hose. The pilot/owner had installed the fittings.

NTSB Probable Cause

improper installation of a fuel line fitting by the pilot/owner which resulted in fuel blockage and subsequent loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On July 16, 1995, about 1940 eastern daylight time, a Beech E- 35, N456F, collided with trees during a forced landing at Joe Zerbey Airport, Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot was seriously injured, and the one passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. After departing runway 29, and at an altitude of approximately 100-200 feet, the airplane's engine lost power. The airplane descended, and struck trees approximately 1000 yards from the departure end of runway 29. The FAA examined the wreckage at the accident site, and observed fuel in the fuel tanks. The left side of the engine cowling was damaged and would not open. The right side cowling was opened, and the engine was examined. No oil leaks or obvious discrepancies were observed. There was no damage observed to the propeller blades. Examination of the engine by the FAA revealed, "a blockage in the fuel line" from the firewall to the inlet side of the engine- driven fuel pump. According to the FAA Inspector's statement, "the blockage appeared to be rubber shavings from the inside of the fuel hose, caused by improper installation of the fittings on the end of the hose." The FAA stated that the pilot/owner installed the fittings. The Reading (RDG) 1950 weather was; 3,000 scattered, 15,000 broken, visibility 10 miles, temperature 84 degrees F, dew point 74 degrees F, wind 190 degrees, 8 knots, altimeter 29.08 inches Hg. Several attempts were made to have the pilot submit the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, without any success. A U.S. Mail, Domestic Return Receipt, was returned with the pilot's signature, showing that he received a second form, on November 27, 1995. According to the FAA, at the time of the accident, the pilot had 3,000 total flight hours, and 75 flight hours in this make and model airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:40 EDT
Nearest AirportJoe Zerbey (1nm WNW)
Runway29
Runway Length4594 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech E35
Tail NumberN456F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScorpion Industries
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · E-225-8 · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data