NTSB Factual Report

On July 24, 2003, at 1054 Pacific daylight time, a Beech V35B, N386TC, collided with objects during a forced landing at the Ideal RV and Boat Storage facility, Livermore, California. The forced landing was a result of a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The personal cross-country flight departed Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Reno, Nevada, about 1000, en route to Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County (RHV), San Jose, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The wreckage was located at 37 degrees 41 minutes north latitude and 121 degrees 49 minutes west longitude.

The Safety Board Investigator-In-Charge (IIC) interviewed the pilot. During the preflight at RHV earlier that morning, the pilot noted 60 gallons of fuel onboard the airplane. The intended route of flight was from RHV to Fresno, California, where he picked up his boss. The pilot then flew his boss to RNO. He estimated the flight time to be about 2 hours on that portion of the flight (he departed RHV about 0700 that morning and arrived in RNO about 0900). No mechanical anomalies were noted with that portion of the flight. The pilot stated that he did not recall what time he left RNO, but thought it was around 1000. He did not refuel at RNO.

The pilot stated that he was at an altitude of about 6,500 feet when the engine suddenly lost power. He stated that the right fuel tank gauge read a quarter of a tank, and the left fuel tank gauge read a half a tank. He pushed the engine controls full forward, noted that the fuel pressure was dropping, and turned the boost pumps to the ON position. The pilot kept switching the fuel tank selector handle to the left and right positions, in an attempt to restart the engine; however, he did not recall which position the fuel tank selector handle was at when the engine lost power. He issued a mayday call and set up for an emergency landing at Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK), Livermore, California. At an altitude of about 3,500 feet, he realized he would not make the airport. He initiated an emergency landing in what he thought was the most suitable landing area. The airplane struck an RV, went through a barbed wire fence, and came to rest upright in a vineyard.

According to the manufacturer, the fuel burn at a cruise power setting of 75 percent maximum continuous power (or full throttle) 2500 rpm, the fuel burn would be 15.2 gallons per hour.

The airplane was retrieved by Plain Parts of Pleasant Grove, California. During the retrieval, recovery personnel noted the fuel selector was in the OFF position. They drained a quarter of an ounce of fuel from the fuel strainer, 7 ounces from the left fuel tank, and 9.8 gallons from the right tank.

An engine inspection and ground run were conducted at Plain Parts on August 4, 2003. The top spark plugs were removed and the inside of the cylinders were inspected; no discrepancies were noted. The spark plugs were light gray in color. According to the Champion Aviation Check-A-Plug chart AV-27, the light gray coloration corresponds to normal operation. Fuel was added to the left tank, and the engine was started. During the ground run, a magneto check was conducted and the engine was run up to 1,875 rpm, with no mechanical anomalies encountered.

The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power during cruise flight.