Beechcraft 95-A55 N9646Y

Summary

On 11 April 2010 at about 21:45 local time, a Beechcraft 95-A55 registered N9646Y was involved in an accident near Arecibo, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 April 2010 at 21:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Arecibo, United States

Coordinates

18.4511, -66.6756

Aircraft

Beechcraft 95-A55

Registration

N9646Y

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Isla Grande → Arecibo

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA10LA222

2 people were seriously injured.

A loss of engine power in one engine due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management, resulting in a forced landing in a field.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to fuel records the pilot purchased 44 gallons of fuel on the morning of the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector the airplane flew two flights prior to the accident flight. While in the traffic pattern and turning onto the base leg the left engine experienced a total loss of power. In order to maintain control of the airplane the pilot retarded the operating engine and performed a landing in a field causing substantial damage to the airplane and serious injuries to both occupants. Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. Approximately 8 gallons of fuel was extracted from the left wing tanks and the right wing tanks had been breached. A few drops of fuel were extracted from the fuel filters. Examination of the cockpit revealed that both fuel selector valves were in the "aux" position. According to guidance provided by the airplane manufacturer and indicated on a placard by the fuel selector valve, the pilot should "use aux tanks and crossfeed in level flight only."

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.