NTSB Accident Reports

A monthly summary of recently published NTSB preliminary accident reports involving general aviation and air carrier aircraft.

Editorial Staff

Friday, November 17, 2023 at 02:42 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple accidents involved a total or partial loss of engine power, often attributed to mechanical failures (e.g., crankcase damage, alternator belt, fuel system debris/starvation) or improper fuel management.
Several incidents highlighted critical pilot judgment and decision-making issues, including flying into severe weather, operating beyond capabilities (e.g., night VFR in challenging conditions), inadequate fuel planning, and mid-air collision in the traffic pattern.
Other mechanical or structural failures, such as flight control system malfunctions, airframe stress from convective turbulence, a broken pilot seat, and engine mount failure, also contributed to accidents.

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September 1, 2023, Ava, Mo.

Beech 35-B33 Debonair

At about 1500 Central time, the airplane sustained substantial damage when it was landed off-airport following total loss of engine power. The pilot and passenger incurred no injuries.

While en route, the airplane lost all engine power; engine oil covered the cowling, windscreen and lower fuselage. During the forced landing to a field, the nose gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest upright in a nose-down attitude. Examination revealed a hole in the engine crankcase.