Pilot Debrief

BEECH 35-33 near Roanoke, TX — 2010-11-18

Final reportCEN11LA076
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Date
2010-11-18
Location
Roanoke, TX, USA
Airport
52F
Aircraft
BEECH 35-33
Registration
N5481
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

While on base leg of the traffic pattern at the destination airport, the airplane lost engine power. The pilot completed the emergency checklist but was unable to restore engine power. During the forced landing near the airport, the airplane collided with several trees resulting in substantial damage. An engine test run was conducted while the motor was still attached to the airframe, utilizing an external fuel source attached to the left side fuel system. The engine started and accelerated to 2,400 rpm. Dark black smoke was observed from the exhaust system and the engine ran rough at full mixture. The engine ran smooth when leaned, and the leak rate on the metering unit return to the fuel pump was higher than normal. The exact cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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