# NTSB ATL93LA052: Beech 23, N3523R, Mebane, NC, January 17, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 17, 1993, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Mebane, NC
- Coordinates: 36.090534, -79.26976 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0905&lon=-79.2698&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 4 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8724
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL93LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8724/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA052

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S MISMANAGEMENT OF THE FUEL SUPPLY WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE ENGINE QUIT AS HE TURNED DOWNWIND IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN WHILE CONDUCTING TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS. THE ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE ENGINE FAILED, AND THE PILOT SELECTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING AREA BETWEEN A TREE LINE AND A MOBILE HOME PARK; THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN IN THE OPEN PORTION OF THE LANDING AREA. THE FIELD EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DISCLOSED THAT THE LEFT FUEL TANK HAD A LARGE QUANTITY OF FUEL, BUT THE RIGHT TANK WAS EMPTY; THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS ON THE RIGHT TANK. CONTINUITY WAS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE FUEL SELECTOR AND THE ENGINE, AND THERE WAS NO FUEL DISCOVERED IN THE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS. THE ENGINE WAS PLACED ON A TEST STAND AND OPERATED UP TO 2400 RPM WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR COMPONENT FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3523R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3523R-1994-03-24), registration cancelled 1994-03-24, S/N M682 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 23
- Registry model: [Beech A23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a23) (registry code 1151204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M682
- Airframe hours: 3026
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-346A 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mcbride, William
- Registered owner: Mcbride, William
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 10, 1992
- Departed: BUY, BURLINGTON, NC
- Destination: BUY
- Airport: PVT, Kimrey Airport, runway 27, 2,400 × 300 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 190 total, 120 in this make and model, 148 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GSO, 30 nm away

## 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 19930117000459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930117000459A), Jan 17, 1993: Beech A23, Mebane, NC, Destroyed. Engine quit in traffic pattern. Crashed off airport. Fuel selector on empty right tank. Fuel in left tank.

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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