There's Little Point In Having Fuel If The Tank Isn't Selected...

OK... this is one of those moments that has happened to many of us... the improper selection of the fullest tank. And when the improper tank happens to be empty, which appears possible according to an NTSB Factual report following the ditching of a Beech F33A. Keep checking your tanks, your respective fuel quantities and make sure that you keep doing so throughout a flight to prevent an inopportune walk/swim home.

File Photo

NTSB Identification: ERA12CA059
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, November 02, 2011 in Chesterfield, VA
Aircraft: BEECH F33A, registration: N833
Injuries: 1 Minor.

The airplane had been fueled and then flown for about three hours and fifteen minutes prior to landing at a private landing strip. The pilot then departed from the private strip and was enroute to a nearby airport when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing into a reservoir, which resulted in substantial damage to the ailerons. The airplane came to rest upright and floated for several minutes, while the pilot egressed and was rescued by a local resident. After the airplane was recovered from the reservoir, about 20 gallons of fuel was drained from the right wing fuel tank. The left wing fuel tank was void of fuel and the fuel selector was selected to the left tank. Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no other anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov