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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

August 19, 2018 · Beech 36 Undesignat · N9031S

Kelso, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kelso, WA
Aircraft
Beech 36 Undesignat (1968)
Tail Number
N9031S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR18TA243

The pilot reported that, while en route to the destination airport during the personal flight, the engine lost power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right fuel tank was empty, while the left fuel tank was full. The pilot stated that he did not remember switching fuel tanks during the flight and that, given that the right fuel tank was empty, he likely ran out of fuel.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's fuel mismanagement, which led to fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and the subsequent forced landing to a field.

Full Narrative

On August 18, 2018, about 2130 Pacific daylight time, a Beech 36, N9031S, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Washington Regional Airport (KLS), Kelso, Washington. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he had filled both fuel tanks the night before the accident; he estimated that he had over three hours of fuel for the cross-country flight the following evening. While en route to the destination airport the engine lost power, which resulted in an off airport landing in a field. A postaccident onsite examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that no visible fuel was observed in the right side fuel tank. He then sumped the tank and no fuel was expelled. When he performed a visual inspection of the left side fuel tank, it appeared to be full. The pilot subsequently stated that based on the evidence of the right fuel tank being empty, he probably ran out of fuel. The pilot also mentioned that he could not remember switching fuel tanks. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 36 Undesignat
Tail NumberN9031S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors · IO-520 · Reciprocating · 280
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind310° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 57
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time04:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data