Beech BE-65 (LF-23F) accident near Winder, Georgia, May 4, 2004
On May 4, 2004, a Beech BE-65 (LF-23F), registered N870KS, was substantially damaged in an accident near Winder, Georgia (Winder Barrow County airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of power in both engines.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- May 4, 2004
- Place
- Winder, Georgia · Winder Barrow County · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Beech BE-65 (LF-23F)
- Registration
- N870KS · no longer on the register · serial LF-9
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot reported that the airplane lost power in the right engine first, and the left engine lost power approximately thirty seconds later. Efforts by the pilot to restart the engines were unsuccessful. The airplane collided with the ground one mile southeast of Winder Barrow County Airport. Prior to the flight, the pilot reported that the airplane had intermediate magneto drops in power. Examination of the fuel tanks revealed that both inboard main fuel tanks were empty. Both auxiliary fuel tanks were approximately half full. Trace amounts of fuel were recovered from the left fuel line and no fuel was recovered from the right fuel line. During the examination of the airplane, no fuel leakage or fuel stains were observed on the airframe. Further examination of the airplane revealed the right fuel selector was in the main detent position, and the left fuel selector was observed 15 degrees away from the main detent position. Further examination of the engines revealed that both fuel sumps were damaged. External examination of both engines revealed full intake and exhaust valve action, internal component rotation was accomplished, and compression and suction in all cylinders were noted. Both fuel flow dividers were dry and free of debris when examined. The magnetos were checked for internal and engine timing; both engine magnetos were within prescribed limits. Also, both engine magnetos produced ignition sparks on all ignition leads when rotated.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: multi-engine land; single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 1,210 hours in all; 53 in this make and model; 53 in the last 90 days; 53 in the last 30 days; 1,140 as pilot in command
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1,213.1 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, November 3, 2003; 61.1 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 8,000 lb
- Seats: 8
- Landing gear: retractable
- Engine 1: Lycoming IO-720-A1B (piston); 0 hours total
- Engine 2: Lycoming IO-720-A1B (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: LZU Lawrenceville GA at 11:30 pm
- Destination: WDR Winder GA
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 5, 3,610 ft by 100 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 290° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: broken clouds at 9,000 ft; clear
- Temperature: 55°F (13°C), dew point 50°F (10°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observation at 2:20 am from WDR, 1 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.