Emerson, NE, USA
N8225F
Beech F33A
The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a complete loss of engine power. The pilot reported that while in flight at 1,800 feet above ground level, he experienced a loss of power about 10 seconds after switching fuel tanks. He also reported a loss of fuel pressure. An engine run subsequent to the accident confirmed engine operation. During the engine run, it was found that failure to place the fuel selector valve within the detent would result in power loss due to fuel starvation. The pilot reported that he was over rolling terrain with crops and during the landing the airplane contacted corn crops and a barbed wire fence.
On September 16, 2005, about 1200 central daylight time, a Beech F33A, N8225F, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a complete loss of engine power near Emerson, Nebraska. The 14 CFR Part 91 business flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was not injured. The flight originated from the Karl Stefan Memorial Airport, Norfolk, Nebraska, about 1145, and was bound for the Sioux Gateway Airport/Col. Bud Day Field, Sioux City, Iowa. In a written statement, the pilot stated that he began the flight with full fuel. He stated that while in flight at 1,800 feet above ground level, he switched fuel tanks and about 10 seconds later the engine quit. He stated that there was a loss of fuel flow. He stated that his attempts to restart the engine, including switching tanks again were of no avail and he executed a forced landing to a field. He stated that the terrain consisted of rolling hills and during the landing the airplane contacted corn crops and a barbed wire fence. A postaccident engine run failed to reveal any anomalies with regard to the engine or fuel system. During the engine run it was noted that failure to accurately position the fuel selector valve within the detent resulted in fuel starvation. Re-positioning the fuel selector valve within the detent for any fuel tank would allow the engine to operate normally.
The loss of engine power due to the pilot's failure to verify the fuel selector position which resulted in fuel starvation. Factors were the low altitude, the crops and the fence.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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