Pilot Debrief

BEECH V35B near Lancaster, PA — 2008-07-08

Final reportNYC08FA242
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Date
2008-07-08
Location
Lancaster, PA, USA
Airport
LNS
Aircraft
BEECH V35B
Registration
N9438Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was on approach to land, when the airplane was approximately 3 miles from the airport, the pilot noticed it was above the desired glide path and reduced engine power. As the airplane started to descend below the glide path the pilot added power; however, the engine did not respond. The pilot executed a forced landing in a muddy corn field which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's frame structure and engine firewall. Postaccident examination of the engine, which included a test run did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions. During the test run, the engine started normally on the first attempt and ran smooth at all tested speeds. The operation of the engine was as expected under all tested conditions, and did not exhibit any characteristics that would have prevented normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained power instead of reducing it to stay on glide path.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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