Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Aborted Landing in Beechcraft J35 Bonanza (N88AA)

Pittstown, NJ, US

On March 2, 1997, a Beech J35 (registration N88AA) operated by Edwin H. Johnson was involved in an aviation accident near Pittstown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's placing the fuel selector in the improper position causing fuel starvation and a loss of engine power. The loss of engine power resulted in a forced landing on the runway during an aborted landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During an aborted landing, a Beechcraft J35 Bonanza experienced engine power loss as the landing gear retracted, leading to a return landing on the runway. The pilot had placed the fuel selector to the auxiliary position before landing.

Incident Summary

A pilot performing an aborted landing in a Beechcraft J35 Bonanza experienced a loss of engine power during the subsequent climb-out as the landing gear was retracting. The aircraft was then landed back on the runway and came to rest approximately 50 feet from the departure end.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that while preparing the airplane for landing, he had positioned the fuel selector to the auxiliary fuel position. Following the decision to abort the landing, the engine lost power as the gear retracted during the climb. The pilot noted, "The Bonanza Manual states not to use auxiliaries for take-off as there is a possibility they could unport."

Aircraft Information

According to the limitations section of the Beechcraft Pilot's Operating Handbook for the J35 Bonanza, the use of auxiliary fuel is restricted: "Use auxiliary fuel in level flight only and do not use for take off or landing."

The specific aircraft type and registration are not provided in the source. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07615. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.