On September 11, 1995, a Beech 23 (registration N2382J) operated by Lyle O. Brooksby was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The soft and rough nature of the terrain available for the forced landing was a factor in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch-and-go traffic pattern operations, the pilot experienced an engine power loss on initial climb and landed in a vacant field. The landing gear collapsed on the rough, soft soil.
Accident
A pilot conducting touch-and-go traffic pattern operations experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb after the last touch-and-go. The pilot subsequently landed the aircraft in a vacant field located off the departure end of the runway. The field was composed of soft, rough soil and sage brush. During the ground roll, the landing gear collapsed.
Investigation
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the aircraft following the incident. According to the inspector's report, no discrepancies were identified in either the airframe or the engine. The cause of the engine power loss was not determined.