Pilot Debrief

BEECH V35 near Shoreham, NY — 2023-03-17

Final reportERA23LA156
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Date
2023-03-17
Location
Shoreham, NY, USA
Aircraft
BEECH V35
Registration
N5616S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for unknown reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and pilot-rated passenger departed on a local flight; about 20 minutes into the flight the engine started to lose power. The pilot attempted to regain power, but the engine did not respond. He noticed the ocean tide was low, so he elected to land on the beach. The airplane landed hard and veered into the water, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; however, the airplane was submerged in ocean salt water for a day before it was removed, resulting in heavy corrosion throughout the engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system more thoroughly before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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