Pilot Debrief

BEECH A35 near Morrilton, AR — 2021-09-02

Final reportCEN21LA405
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Date
2021-09-02
Location
Morrilton, AR, USA
Airport
BDQ
Aircraft
BEECH A35
Registration
N8419A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger were in the process of flying the recently purchased airplane to the passenger’s home airport. The pilot and passenger flew the airplane twice before the accident flight, and the airplane operated normally. While in cruise flight, about 1.25 hours after departure, the pilot switched from the left fuel tank to the rear auxiliary fuel tank and noted that the fuel pressure was normal. About 7 to 8 minutes later, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot then switched to the right fuel tank and attempted to restart the engine to no avail. He then switched back to the left tank and, after descending through a cloud layer, was again unable to restart the engine. After descending through the clouds, the pilot switched back to the right fuel tank and power was restored for 5 to 10 seconds before all engine power was again lost. The pilot attempted to glide to a nearby airport but had insufficient altitude and executed a forced landing. The airplane impacted trees and became suspended in the trees, incurring substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Both fuel tanks had been breached during impact and determination of fuel quantity was not possible. Based on the available information, the reason for 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 switching tanks.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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