Pilot Debrief

Beech F35 near Ravenna, TX — 2020-07-05

Final reportCEN20LA262
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Date
2020-07-05
Location
Ravenna, TX, USA
Airport
TX47
Aircraft
Beech F35
Registration
N4219B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

Electrical and engine problems for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight and after the pilot engaged the autopilot, a portable air conditioning unit was plugged into the airplane’s electrical system. When the unit was plugged into the system, the pilot heard a loud noise like a “firecracker” from the engine compartment, and the autopilot disengaged. The pilot ran the emergency checklist for an electrical failure and noticed a drop in engine rpm. Attempts to rectify the electrical issue and regain engine rpms were unsuccessful. The pilot located a private 3,000 ft grass airstrip to land on. As he approached the airstrip, he noticed a stack of large round hay bales on the edge of the runway. The pilot felt that trying to pull up over the bales would induce a stall, so he turned to the right just as the airplane touched down. About 100 ft after the airplane touched down, the left wing impacted the hay bales, which caused the airplane to spin left and come to a sudden stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. A postaccident examination of the airplane electrical systems did not determine the reasons for the reported electrical problems. The examination of the engine revealed that it was poorly maintained; however, it was not clear if this condition resulted in the loss of engine rpm or if the loss in rpm was related to the electrical system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided using the cooler that required electrical power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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