# NTSB ATL90LA063: Beech A 36, N4723M, Ocean Island Be, NC, February 10, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 10, 1990, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Ocean Island Be, NC
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 2, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8207
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90LA063
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8207/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA063

## Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AND THE PILOT IN COMMANDS FAILURE TO TURN ON THE ELECTRIC BOOST PUMP DURING ATTEMPTED ENGINE RESTART RESULTING IN A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel boost pump selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD RETURNED FROM A 3.5 HOUR CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE PREVIOUS WEEK. THIS FLIGHT WAS TO FUEL THE AIRPLANE AT A NEARBY AIRPORT. AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT SAW A RAIN SHOWER AT THE DESTINATION & RETURNED TO HIS DEPARTURE AIRPORT. ON BASE LEG THE ENGINE QUIT. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS CHANGED FROM THE RIGHT TANK TO THE LEFT BUT, THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP WAS LEFT OFF. A FORCED LANDING ENSUED ON A SAND DUNE. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED 1/2 GAL OF FUEL IN THE RIGHT TANK & EIGHT PLUS GALS IN THE LEFT TANK. A WX BRIEF WAS NOT OBTAINED. FLIGHT MANUAL LIST AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP-ON IN ENGINE FAILURE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4723M (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A 36
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: E-1254
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-BA 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sun Bird Investment, Inc
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: 60J

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 450 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRE

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19900210002029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900210002029A), Feb 10, 1990: Beech A36, Oceanisle Beach, NC. Reported ran tank dry. Switched other with fuel. Unable restart. Part of report missing.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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