# NTSB LAX90LA249: Beech V35B, N4796M, Big Bear, CA, July 9, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 9, 1990, 14:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Big Bear, CA
- Coordinates: 34.259552, -116.840782 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2596&lon=-116.8408&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26862
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA249
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26862/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA249

## Probable cause

THE FUEL STARVATION DUE TO THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT SELECTION OF AN EMPTY FUEL TANK.

## 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 - downwind
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - inadvertent deactivation, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED HE WAS ON DOWN WIND AND SWITCHED FUEL TANKS FROM THE LEFT TIP OF THE LEFT MAIN. THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND THEN QUIT. THE PILOT SAID HE STRETCHED THE GLIDE AND TOUCHED DOWN HARD ON THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EXAMINED BY AN AIRCRAFT MAINTENACE FACILITY AT THE AIRPORT. ACCORDING TO THEIR REPORT OF THE EXAMINATION, NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINE FROM THE FIREWALL TO THE FUEL PUMP, OR FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO THE METERING UNIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4796M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4796M), registered now, S/N D-10133, built 1978 (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: D10133
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Anthony G. Peich
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: CNO, CHINO, CA
- Destination: L35
- Airport: L35, Big Bear, runway 25, 5,850 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; flight hours: 3,000 total, 1,000 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19900709025299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900709025299A), Jul 9, 1990: Beech V35B, Big Bear, CA, Substantial damage. Switched to empty tank by mistake on final. Landed hard just short of runway.

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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