On October 3, 1982, a Beech A36TC (registration N66909) operated by Crown Development Company was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ana, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, a pilot experienced engine power loss after raising the gear, performed a nose-low recovery, and executed a gear-up landing off the runway end. Tower reported black smoke from the engine cowling.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that the engine lost power after the landing gear was raised during takeoff. To maintain controlled flight, the pilot lowered the nose to avoid a stall and subsequently executed a gear-up landing at and beyond the departure end of the runway.
Observed Anomalies
Tower personnel observed black smoke trailing from the bottom of the engine cowling during the event. The front seat passenger, who was a rated pilot, noted that the fuel pressure needle was pegged to the high limit. Additionally, the pilot reported that the fuel flow needle had relocated from the 6 o'clock position (indicating 36 gallons per hour) to approximately the 10 to 11 o'clock position.
Maintenance History
The aircraft had a documented history of fuel pressure discrepancies. Maintenance records showed three fuel pump replacements in the aircraft logbooks. A subsequent inspection of the fuel pump revealed discrepancies in both fuel pressure and fuel flow; however, these discrepancies involved low output rather than high output.