Beech 35 near Currie, NV — 2020-04-24

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during a forced landing which resulted in a hard landing for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and two passengers departed on a cross-country flight. There was no significant weather, turbulence, or wind on the route of flight. When the airplane did not arrive at the destination, a search was initiated, and the wreckage was located in a remote mountain valley the following day. The airplane impacted level terrain at an elevation about 6,539 ft msl. The airplane impacted nose low in an approximate wings-level attitude on a southwesterly heading. The main wing fuel tanks and the auxiliary fuel tank were all damaged during the impact sequence; however, there was no fuel staining, no evidence of a post-impact fire, and no odor of fuel at the accident site. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed that the landing gear had partially pushed through the top portion of the wings and the flaps were extended at the time of impact, suggesting that the pilot may have been maneuvering for a forced landing and lost control resulting in a hard landing. The reason for the forced landing could not be determined based on the available evidence. The airplane’s fuel state at the time of departure could not be determined. The distance traveled on the flight route was consistent with consuming the fuel quantity in the main fuel bladders only. One of the family members had flown on the same route before and stated that sometimes they did not stop for fuel and completed the flight non-stop. There was no evidence that the pilot stopped to refuel during the accident flight. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Fuel management

First missed decision gate

Pilot did not refuel before the flight despite potential fuel limitations.

NTSB coding

• Miscellaneous/other · Emergency descent

Evidence available

• ADS-B / radar
• Photos
• 13 docket documents

Docket documents13

• POH PERFORMANCE EXCERPTSform
• RELEASE OF AIRCRAFT WRECKAGE, NTSB FORM 6120.15form
• STATEMENT OF PARTY REPRESENTATIVES TO NTSB INVESTIGATIONform
• WEATHER BRIEF INFORMATIONform
• FLIGHT ROUTEother
• MEMORANDUM FOR RECORDother
• POH FUEL SYSTEM EXCERPTSother
• RECORD OF CONVERSATIONother
• RECORD OF EMAILother
• ACCIDENT SITE PICTURESphotos
• FLIGHT ROUTE DATAradar
• ENGINE EXAMINATION REPORTreport
• TOXICOLOGICAL REPORTreport