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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

February 25, 1997 · Beech A36 · N18DR

Matherville, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 25, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Matherville, IL
Aircraft
Beech A36
Tail Number
N18DR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA077

During an engine-out emergency procedure, the pilot 'completed the checklist rapidly,' and continued to execute the forced-landing procedure. In the pilot's written statement he contested that he 'looking down, changed right to left tanks.' At 1000 feet AGL the CFI, 'elected to discontinue the maneuver,' and proceeded with a go-around. The engine did not recover from the idle position, and the pilot continued with the forced landing and proceeded to land the airplane, in a gear-up configuration, in a rough field. Postcrash investigation showed that the fuel selector was set in the 'Off' position.

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of engine as a result of the pilot-in-command's improper positioning of the fuel tank selector. A factor was the rough terrain.

Full Narrative

On February 25, 1997, at 1530 central standard time, a Beech A36, N18DR, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in a field one-half mile south south-east of Matherville, Illinois. The instructor pilot indicated that he was giving a biennial flight review to the second pilot and they were demonstrating forced landing technique when the engine failed to respond and an actual forced landing became necessary. Neither pilot reported injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The local flight departed Moline, Illinois, at 1500. In a written statement by the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), the CFI pulled the engine power lever aft to simulate an engine power loss. During the engine-out emergency procedure, the pilot "completed the checklist rapidly," and continued to execute the forced-landing procedure. During the completion of the checklist the pilot said, " I'm changing tanks," and the CFI responded, "Don't bother." In the pilot's written statement he contested that, "looking down, [I] changed right to left tanks." About 1000 feet AGL the CFI, "elected to discontinue the maneuver," and proceeded to go-around. The CFI advanced the propeller lever forward and, "noticed it govern the propeller RPM as I selected cowl flaps open and full throttle, the prop failed to govern at that time." The CFI reported that, "I became alarmed. I selected mixture to full rich and boost pump on as well as leaving the magnetos on the "Both" position." The CFI next chose a suitable field and, "must of directed Larry to it or he chose it at the same time." The pilot and CFI keep the yoke on the left side, "so that control would not be interrupted." The pilot continued with the forced landing and proceeded to land the airplane, in a gear-up configuration, in the predetermined rough field. Post crash investigation showed that the fuel selector was set in the "Off" position, and the configuration of the fuel selector was " not visible to anyone but the pilot in the left seat."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech A36
Tail NumberN18DR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-BA · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data