# NTSB MIA92FA173: Beech BE-A23-19, N2377W, Picayune, MS, September 1, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 1, 1992, 16:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Picayune, MS
- Coordinates: 30.519453, -89.670288 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5195&lon=-89.6703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 21, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32993
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92FA173
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32993/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92FA173

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO PLACE THE FUEL SELECTOR ON THE FULLEST TANK, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL STARVATION OVER UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## 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
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT AND ONE PASSENGER DEPARTED ON A 2 HOUR FLIGHT WITH ABOUT 20 GALLONS OF FUEL IN EACH FUEL TANK. THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT FOUND UNTIL 2 DAYS LATER, BURNED IN A WOODED AREA. THE FUEL CONSUMPTION FOR 2 HOURS WOULD BE ABOUT 19 GALLONS. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND ON THE LEFT TANK AND THE LEFT WING EXHIBITED LESS FIRE DAMAGE THAN THE RIGHT WING. NO EVIDENCE OF POWERPLANT OR AIRFRAME PREEXISTING FAILURES WERE FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2377W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2377W-1994-10-20), registration cancelled 1994-10-20, S/N MB14 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH BE-A23-19
- Registry model: [Beech A23-19](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a23-19) (registry code 1151212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MB-14
- Airframe hours: 2085
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2C 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kotterman, Robert D.
- Registered owner: Kotterman, Robert D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1992, 6 hours before
- Departed: PTN, PATTERSON, LA
- Destination: PCU, PICAYUNE, MS
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 75 total, 15 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCB, 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 19920901035509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920901035509A), Sep 1, 1992: Beech A2319, Picayune, MS, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Crashed and burned in swamp near airport. Had minimum fuel for trip. Fuel selector on left empty tank.

## Other investigations on N2377W (2)

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.

- [NTSB IAD70F006M](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD70F006M), Aug 27, 1969: Beech B23 (N2377W), Maryland Line, MD, destroyed
- [NTSB MIA68D0418](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA68D0418), Feb 9, 1968: Beech A23 (N2377W), Key West, FL, substantial damage

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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