Beechcraft BE-65 (LF-23F) N870KS

Summary

On 4 May 2004 at about 00:30 local time, a Beechcraft BE-65 (LF-23F) registered N870KS was involved in an accident near Winder, Georgia, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 May 2004 at 00:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Winder, Georgia, United States

Nearest airport

Winder Barrow County (WDR)

Coordinates

33.9692, -83.6681

Aircraft

Beechcraft BE-65 (LF-23F)

Registration

N870KS

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lawrenceville → Winder

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL04CA106

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of power in both engines.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane lost power in the right engine first, and the left engine lost power approximately thirty seconds later. Efforts by the pilot to restart the engines were unsuccessful. The airplane collided with the ground one mile southeast of Winder Barrow County Airport. Prior to the flight, the pilot reported that the airplane had intermediate magneto drops in power. Examination of the fuel tanks revealed that both inboard main fuel tanks were empty. Both auxiliary fuel tanks were approximately half full. Trace amounts of fuel were recovered from the left fuel line and no fuel was recovered from the right fuel line. During the examination of the airplane, no fuel leakage or fuel stains were observed on the airframe. Further examination of the airplane revealed the right fuel selector was in the main detent position, and the left fuel selector was observed 15 degrees away from the main detent position. Further examination of the engines revealed that both fuel sumps were damaged. External examination of both engines revealed full intake and exhaust valve action, internal component rotation was accomplished, and compression and suction in all cylinders were noted. Both fuel flow dividers were dry and free of debris when examined. The magnetos were checked for internal and engine timing; both engine magnetos were within prescribed limits. Also, both engine magnetos produced ignition sparks on all ignition leads when rotated.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.