The pilot reported that he was under the impression that the Beech B-60’s inboard fuel tanks had been topped off and he had 202 gallons on board prior to departure.
He had a “standing order” with the airport’s FBO to top the tanks, however the fueling was not accomplished and he did not visually check the fuel level prior to departure.
He entered 202 gallons in the cockpit fuel computer and unknowingly commenced the flight with 61 gallons on board.
Prior to reaching his destination, his fuel supply was exhausted, both engines lost all power, and he performed a forced landing in a cemetery about one mile from the airport in Farmingdale, New York. The pilot and his passenger sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Inspectors with the FAA examined the wreckage and determined that damage to the wings and fuselage was substantial.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper preflight inspection of the airplane’s fuel system, resulting in him commencing the flight with an inadequate fuel supply.
To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.
This November 2022 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Thank you Duke driver for raising our insurance rates.
We’re all in the same pool. We pay for your mistakes.
Federal Aviation Regulation 1.0:
If the PIC runs out of fuel, they are to report within thirty days the nearest Flight Standards District Office and relinquish their pilot certificate as being incompetent and too stupid to fly.
“standing order”? Thant puts the responsibility on the fuel man. How is he to remember to fill your tanks when he probably has dozens of others he fills every day. Not sumping and checking fuel levels. Assumption is the mother of all mess ups. Thanks for sharing, it should help keep us from being complacent.
Reminds me of the old joke headline: “Pilot crashes small plane into cemetery. Hundreds confirmed dead.”
Aviation seems to attract an inordinate amount of morons.
Got the certificate, bought a Duke, and started taking shortcuts.
At least he saved @ $1,000 by NOT getting that extra 141 gallons of gas…he’s probably gonna need it…
When I get fuel in the club 172, I always ask the line guy to leave the ladder there for a moment so I can look at the fuel and secure the cap myself. Interestingly, they’re never offended and they’ve told me that maybe half the Avgas users do that.
Fuel gauges hanging around 1/4, airplane feels 850lb light, but I got gas, the totalizer says so!
Sad but very true!!
Up to the pilot to check the fuel tanks. Nobody to blame it himself.
How about checking the fuel before departing.
Pretty basic aviation 101 stuff.
Even if the pilot didn’t “stick the tanks”, the cockpit fuel gauges are on the panel for a reason!
(850 lbs too light)
“I guess she really wants to fly today!”
The Beech Duke is a heavy airplane but even with that, taxing out for takeoff should have “felt” the lack of 850 pounds of onboard fuel.