Pilot Debrief

BEECH C35 near Belen, NM — 2015-09-26

Final reportCEN15LA436
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Date
2015-09-26
Location
Belen, NM, USA
Airport
E80
Aircraft
BEECH C35
Registration
N1990D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to contamination in the fuel system.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, while returning to the airport during a personal local flight and about 3 miles northeast of the airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the issue but was unable to restart the engine, so he chose to make a forced landing on a dirt road. The airplane continued down the road for about 600 ft, and the left wing then collided with a bush. The airplane came to rest upright next to the road about 1 mile north of the airport. A postaccident engine examination revealed that the fuel strainer and carburetor fuel inlet screen were clogged with contaminants, and there was a distinct odor of automotive fuel. The engine had been modified under a supplemental type certificate that only allowed for the use of 100LL aviation fuel. However, the fuel doors still contained placards indicating that unleaded automotive gasoline was approved fuel for the airplane. The pilot stated that, during the 2 years before the accident, he had only used 100LL aviation fuel in the airplane. Based on the evidence, it is likely that the loss of engine power was due to contamination in the fuel system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured fuel system was clear before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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