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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

April 2, 1998 · Beech F33A · DECTB

Fort Pierce, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 2, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fort Pierce, FL
Aircraft
Beech F33A
Tail Number
DECTB
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA98LA117

The flight had departed runway 14, and had reached an altitude of about 200 feet, when the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot elected to make a forced landing straight ahead into trees. After impact, the pilot closed off the fuel valve. Examination of the wreckage after the accident revealed that the fuel tanks had fuel. The pilot said the fuel selector was on the left tank when the loss of power occurred. Observation of the engine at the crash site did not reveal any obvious discrepancies. The engine was removed from the airframe and examined at the NTSB's request, and under the supervision of the FAA, on June 24, 1998. The engine examination revealed that the fuel control system exhibited fluid leakage at the fuel pump and throttle shaft. Detailed examination of the fuel pump showed that the pump leaked fluid at the rear high speed adjusting needle at the seal to the pump body. There was no evidence of impact damage observed on the fuel pump. In addition, the throttle/metering unit leaked fluid at the throttle shaft into the metering unit. The leak at the throttle shaft was severe enough that no flow test was possible. The throttle arm displayed impact damage. The throttle shaft was removed from the unit, and the 'O' ring seal was found flat from wear. The 'O' ring was replaced and the leakage stopped. The unit was then flow tested to manufacturer's standards. No other discrepancies were found during the engine examination.

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of engine power due to fuel leakage at the fuel control, resulting in a forced landing, and subsequent impact with trees.

Full Narrative

On April 2, 1998, about 1400 eastern standard time, a Beech F33A, D-ECTB (German), registered to a private individual, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight, impacted with trees during a forced landing near Fort Pierce, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight was originating from the Fort Pierce Airport at the time. The flight had departed runway 14, and had reached an altitude of about 200 feet, when the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot elected to make a forced landing straight ahead into trees. After impact, the pilot closed off the fuel valve. Examination of the wreckage after the accident revealed that the fuel tanks had fuel. The pilot said the fuel selector was on the left tank when the loss of power occurred. Observation of the engine at the crash site did not reveal any obvious discrepancies. The engine was removed from the airframe and shipped to Continental Motor's facilities, Mobile, Alabama, and examined at the NTSB's request, and under the supervision of the FAA, on June 24, 1998. The engine examination revealed that the fuel control system exhibited fluid leakage at the fuel pump and throttle shaft. Detailed examination of the fuel pump showed that the pump leaked fluid at the rear high speed adjusting needle at the seal to the pump body. There was no evidence of impact damage observed on the fuel pump. In addition, the throttle/metering unit leaked fluid at the throttle shaft into the metering unit. The leak at the throttle shaft was severe enough that no flow test was possible. The throttle arm displayed impact damage. The throttle shaft was removed from the unit, and the "O" ring seal was found flat from wear. The ring was replaced and the leakage stopped. The unit was then flow tested to manufacturer's standards. No other discrepancies were found during the engine examination (see TCM Analytical report Page 3). At the airplane owner's request, the engine was shipped to Fort Pierce, Florida, on July 23, 1998, directly from TCM, Mobile, Alabama.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EST
Nearest AirportSt. Lucie International (1nm SW)
Runway14
Runway Length4756 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech F33A
Tail NumberDECTB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520BA · Reciprocating · 285
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 12 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:04
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data