GUSTAVUS, AK, USA
N441B
BEECH 35
THE PILOT SWITCHED FROM HIS AUXILIARY FUEL TANK TO HIS LEFT MAIN FUEL TANK WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. HE HAD TO DITCH IN THE BAY. THE PILOT SAID HE THOUGHT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO FUEL MISMANAGEMENT.
On May 1, 1994, at 1615 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Beechcraft Bonanza airplane, N441B, registered to and operated by the Pilot-in-Command, experienced a non-mechanical engine failure and was forced to ditch in the water approximately 5 miles east of Gustavus, Alaska. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Juneau, Alaska, and the destination was Gustavus. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The Private certificated Pilot-in-Command and his passenger were not injured and the airplane sank in the water. According to the Pilot-in-Command, he was attempting to use up the fuel in the auxiliary fuel tanks. He stated that he felt the engine failed at the same time he switched to the left main fuel tank. The airplane came to rest between the low and high tide lines. According to Ned Horne, FAA, FSDO 05, Juneau, Alaska, the Pilot-in-Command informally admitted that the engine did not fail due to a mechanical reason but due to fuel mismanagement. The Pilot-in-Command did not submit an NTSB 6120.1/2.
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S DELAY IN SELECTING THE MAIN FUEL TANK POSITION. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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