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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 29, 2004 · Beech P-35 · N7DR

Havre, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Havre, MT
Aircraft
Beech P-35
Tail Number
N7DR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA04LA094

The pilot reported that just after lift-off from runway 25, he verified a positive rate of climb and retracted the landing gear. Shortly thereafter, the pilot felt a slight hesitation in the engine. The pilot switched the fuel selector when the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot initiated a forced landing on the remaining runway. The aircraft touched down and the right main gear collapsed. The right wing contacted the runway surface and the aircraft spun around coming to rest near the end of the runway. Post-accident inspection of the engine found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction. Both fuel tanks were inspected for fuel and a trace amount of fuel was found in each fuel bladder. Inspection of the right wing inboard fuel sender found that the unit was unsecured. The left wing's sender unit was secured. Both sender units were checked for cockpit indications. Both indicated empty when the float was extended to the bottom of the tanks and indicated fuel levels throughout the movement of the float from top to bottom. Approximately three gallons of fuel was put in the right side fuel tank to inspect for leaks. None were detected. The left wing's piping structure had pulled out of the bladder connector during the accident sequence which allowed fuel to drain from the left fuel tank; therefore, fuel quantity could not be determined. The left and right side fuel tanks are not interconnected.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during the initial climb after takeoff as a result of an unsecured fuel sender unit which resulted in a false fuel quantity indication.

Full Narrative

On May 29, 2004, approximately 1310 mountain daylight time, a Beech P-35, N7DR, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 local flight, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Havre, Montana. During the emergency landing, the aircraft was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The commercial pilot and his three passengers were not injured. During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that just after lift-off from runway 25, he verified a positive rate of climb and retracted the landing gear. Shortly thereafter, the pilot felt a slight hesitation in the engine. The pilot switched the fuel selector when the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot noted that at this time the aircraft had drifted about 200 feet off of runway centerline. He immediately lowered the nose to maintain airspeed and extended the landing gear to re-land on the remaining runway. The aircraft touched down and the right main gear collapsed. The right wing contacted the runway surface and the aircraft spun around coming to rest near the end of the runway. After the aircraft was removed from the runway and placed in a secured location, a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Helena, Montana, Flight Standards District Office, and a certified Airframe & Powerplant, Inspection Authorization mechanic inspected the aircraft. The mechanic reported that during the engine inspection, no evidence of a mechanical malfunction was noted. No fuel leaks were detected. The fuel selector was checked and found functional. Both fuel tanks were inspected for fuel and a trace amount of fuel was found in each fuel bladder. Inspection of the right wing inboard fuel sender found that the unit was unsecured. The left wings sender unit was secured. Both sender units were checked for cockpit indications. Both indicated empty when the float was extended to the bottom of the tanks and indicated fuel levels throughout the movement of the float from top to bottom. Approximately three gallons of fuel was put in the right side fuel tank to inspect for leaks. None were detected. The left wings piping structure had pulled out of the bladder connector during the accident sequence which allowed fuel to drain from the left fuel tank therefore fuel quantity could not be determined. The left and right side fuel tanks are not interconnected.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:35 MDT
Nearest AirportHavre City - County (0nm)
Runway25
Runway Length5205 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech P-35
Tail NumberN7DR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470-N · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4900 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 45 C
Altimeter29.62 inHg
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data