# NTSB ATL95LA032: Beech V35B, N77FH, Union City, TN, January 2, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 2, 1995, 13:56 local (19:56 UTC)
- Place: Union City, TN
- Coordinates: 36.419448, -89.050537 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4194&lon=-89.0505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 18, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3509
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL95LA032
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3509/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL95LA032

## Probable cause

The improper preflight planning by the pilot which resulted in the exhaustion of the aircraft's fuel. The rough terrain condition was a factor.

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE STARTING RUNNING ROUGH, AND THEN STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. THE PILOT EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN ROUGH TERRAIN AND HE AND HIS PASSENGER WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THERE WAS NO FUEL REMAINING IN EITHER OF THE AIRCRAFT FUEL TANKS.

## Factual narrative

On January 2, 1995, about 1356 central standard time, a Beech V35B, N77FH was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain near Union City, Tennessee. The private pilot received minor injuries, and his passenger received serious injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the flight. The flight departed Crossville, Tennessee at 1115.

The pilot stated that the aircraft engine began to run roughly, and then stopped producing power.

The FAA Inspector at the aircraft accident site stated that there was no fuel in any of the aircraft tanks.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N77FH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N77FH), registered now, S/N D-10035, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH V35B
- Registry model: [Beech V35B](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-v35b) (registry code 1151548) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D10035
- Airframe hours: 3595
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-EA 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Hardin, James P.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 18, 1994
- Departed: CSV, CROSSVILLE, TN
- Destination: DYR, DYERSBURG, TN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,480 total, 48 in this make and model, 48 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DYR, 15 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).

- [Incident 19950102004059I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950102004059I), Jan 2, 1995: Beech V35B, Union City, TN, Substantial damage. Narrative: the pilot ran out of fuel showing improper preflight and contrary to 91.103.

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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