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NTSB Report

November 15, 2011 · Beech S35 · N5858S

Elkhart Lake, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 15, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Elkhart Lake, WI
Aircraft
Beech S35
Tail Number
N5858S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA074

The pilot departed for the planned 1 hour, 40 minute flight with 58 total gallons of fuel. While in cruise flight at 2,500 feet mean sea level, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot noticed no anomalies prior to the loss of engine power. After switching fuel tanks and several unsuccessful engine restart attempts, the pilot executed a forced landing to a field. The pilot stated that, at the time of the accident, he estimated that the left and right fuel tanks were about half-full of fuel. Postaccident examination of the airplane showed about 35 gallons of fuel in the left fuel tank and no fuel in the right fuel tank. The fuel selector was selected to the right tank. The right fuel tank was intact, and the left fuel tank bladder contained a tear, in which the fuel drained until it reached a level below the tear. No fuel was in the fuel lines from the right tank and through the engine fuel system, which was consistent with fuel starvation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On November 15, 2011, at 1040 central standard time, a Beech S35 single-engine airplane, N5858S, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to N5858S, LLC, Brookfield, Wisconsin, and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight departed the Sawyer International Airport (SAW), Marquette, Michigan, at 0920, and was destined for Capitol Airport (02C), Brookfield, Wisconsin. According to the pilot, he departed for the planned 1 hour and 40 minute flight with 58 total gallons of fuel. While in cruise flight at 2,500 feet mean sea level, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot noticed no anomalies prior to the loss of engine power. After switching fuel tanks and several unsuccessful engine restart attempts, the pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane struck trees adjacent to the field, and the airplane landed with the landing gear partially extended. The airplane impacted terrain and came to rest upright. The pilot stated that at the time of the accident, he estimated the left and right fuel tanks were approximately 1/2 full of fuel. Postaccident examination of the airplane showed the firewall and forward fuselage were bent. After recovery from the field, approximately 35 gallons of fuel was noted in the left fuel tank and no fuel was noted in the right fuel tank. The fuel selector was found in the right tank position. The right fuel tank was intact, and the left fuel tank bladder contained a tear, in which the fuel drained until it reached a level below the tear. No fuel was noted in the fuel lines from the right tank and through the engine fuel system. When the fuel selector was turned to the left tank, fuel flowed out of the fuel selector valve. When the fuel selector was turned to the right tank, no fuel was noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech S35
Tail NumberN5858S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO-520-BA · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data