# NTSB CHI86LA072: Beech A23A, N6900Q, Hastings, MI, January 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 17, 1986, 19:30 local (Jan 18, 1986, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Hastings, MI
- Coordinates: 42.649269, -85.27964 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6493&lon=-85.2796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13412
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13412/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA072

## 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
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - false indication (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr procedures - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE PILOT ESTIMATED HE HAD 13 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD FOR THE ESTIMATED FIFTY MINUTE FLIGHT. HE ESTIMATED HIS FUEL BURN AT NINE GALLONS PER HOUR GIVING HIM AN HOUR AND TWENTY FIVE MINUTE FUEL ENDURANCE. HE RAN OUT OF FUEL AN HOUR AND TWENTY FIVE MINUTES AFTER ENGINE START AFTER OVERFLYING SUITABLE INTERMEDIATE AIRPORTS TO LAND AND REFUEL. THE PILOT RECOMMENDED THAT HE 'CURB HIS URGE TO RUSH, FACTOR IN WIND SPEED, CARRY A 45 MINUTE RESERVE. FOLLOW INSTINCTS TO LAND WHEN IN DOUBT ABOUT CONTINUING, AND REREAD APPLICABLE FARS.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6900Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6900Q), registered now, S/N M-1068 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A23A
- Registry model: [Beech A23A](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a23a) (registry code 1151208) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-346 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-346-series) (registry code 17033, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M1068
- Airframe hours: 2166
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-346A 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Roy A. Martin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 6, 1986
- Departed: PTK, PONTIAC, MI
- Destination: 9D9, HASTINGS, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 796 total, 655 in this make and model, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 240° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRR, 18 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 19860117001289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860117001289A), Jan 17, 1986: Beech A23A, Hastings, MI, Substantial damage. Engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. Landed in a field breaking main gear and striking trees.

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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