Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation caused by a fuel selector stem failure, due to wear, that precluded the pilot from selecting a fuel tank that had fuel.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While in cruise flight the engine failed due to fuel starvation. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed the fuel selector wobble pump stem had failed due to wear, which resulted in the inability of the pilot to select another fuel tank that had fuel.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 28, 1995, about 1500 central standard time, N5116C, a Beech BE35-35, registered to and operated by Stanton M. Smith, crashed in Sardis, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Minden, Louisiana, about 1 hour earlier. The pilot reported the engine failed and he executed a forced landing to a road. During the landing roll the airplane hit signs and both wings were partially ripped off. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the fuel selector wobble pump stem was broken due to wear on the splines. This condition would preclude the pilot from selecting another fuel tank with fuel available. -