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December 21, 2021 · Beech D55 · N44DC

Hamilton, AL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 21, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Hamilton, AL
Aircraft
Beech D55 (1969)
Tail Number
N44DC
Operator
Gta Air
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA22LA092

The pilot described that at the conclusion of the positioning flight she amended her initial plan to enter the traffic pattern at the destination airport due to potential conflicts with other traffic, and instead completed an entry into a left downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The sequence of events left her “task saturated” and she failed to complete the before-landing checklist and properly configure the twin-engine airplane’s fuel system for landing by switching from the auxiliary to the main fuel tanks. While on final approach to the runway the airplane’s left engine lost power and the airplane began a “lazy Vmc roll to the left.” The pilot attempted to continue ahead toward the runway, but realized that the airplane would not be able to clear power lines, so she maneuvered for a forced landing, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the airplane at the accident site conformed that the left fuel selector was in the “Aux[iliary]” position. Published in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook and placarded between the fuel selectors was: “USE AUX TANKS AND CROSSFEED IN LEVEL FLIGHT ONLY.” Given this information, it is likely that the pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane’s fuel system while maneuvering for landing resulted in a loss of engine power to the airplane’s left engine due to fuel starvation and the subsequent forced landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane’s fuel system, which resulted in a loss of engine power on the left engine due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

The pilot described that at the conclusion of the positioning flight she amended her initial plan to enter the traffic pattern at the destination airport due to potential conflicts with other traffic, and instead completed an entry into a left downwind leg of the traffic pattern. The sequence of events left her “task saturated” and she failed to complete the before-landing checklist and properly configure the twin-engine airplane’s fuel system for landing by switching from the auxiliary to the main fuel tanks. While on final approach to the runway the airplane’s left engine lost power and the airplane began a “lazy Vmc roll to the left.” The pilot attempted to continue ahead toward the runway, but realized that the airplane would not be able to clear power lines, so she maneuvered for a forced landing, and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the airplane at the accident site conformed that the left fuel selector was in the “Aux[iliary]” position. Published in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook and placarded between the fuel selectors was: “USE AUX TANKS AND CROSSFEED IN LEVEL FLIGHT ONLY.” Given this information, it is likely that the pilot’s failure to properly configure the airplane’s fuel system while maneuvering for landing resulted in a loss of engine power to the airplane’s left engine due to fuel starvation and the subsequent forced landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:20 CST
Nearest AirportMarion County-Rankin Fite (2.2nm S)
Runway36
Runway Length5495 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech D55
Tail NumberN44DC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGta Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-CB8B · Reciprocating · 285 | Continental · IO-520-CB41B · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 8500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 F / 37 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data