ATL96LA007

On final approach to runway 32, the airplane had a complete loss of engine power. The pilot initiated a forced landing, and on the landing roll, the left wing struck a tree. The pilot stated that the preflight, engine run up, and the 30 minute flight had been uneventful until the loss of power. Initial examination of the airplane revealed the fuel tank selector was in the left tank position, and the left tank was empty. The right fuel tank was full. The pilot reported having 60 gallons of fuel before departure. No spilled fuel was noted at the wreckage site. The before landing checklist of a similar aircraft (BE-A23) showed that the fullest tank should have been selected. Further examination revealed a disconnected (loose) B-nut where the fuel line was connected to the carburetor.

On October 20, 1995, about 1805 eastern daylight, a Beech 23, N2340J, collided with a tree during a forced landing, due to a complete loss of engine power, near Newnan, Georgia. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Auburn, Alabama, about 1735.

An inspector from the Georgia Flight Standards District Office examined the airplane. He discovered that the throttle was fully forward; the carburetor heat was on; and the left fuel tank was selected. No fuel was observed in the left fuel tank, while the right tank was full. The pilot reported that he had fueled prior to departing Auburn. According to the inspector, 32 gallons of fuel were added to the airplane at Auburn. The inspector also reported that the pilot's father stated that when they were able to move the airplane, and remove the engine cowling, they observed that the fuel line "B-nut" at the carburetor was disconnected.