Accident Details
According to the pilot, during the downwind leg at Palm Beach County Park Airport, he completed the pre-landing checklist, which included extending the landing gear and lowering the flaps. After leveling the wings following the turn from downwind to base leg, he attempted to increase power but the engine was unresponsive. The pilot reported that upon realizing the engine was not producing power, he noticed low fuel flow. He cycled the magneto switch, switched fuel tanks, and turned on the fuel boost pump to "low," but the fuel flow did not change. He then turned toward the airport, determined he would not reach the runway, and elected to land on a golf course driving range north of the airport. The landing was described as successful, but during the rollout, the aircraft struck a berm and nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
During recovery of the airplane, the main fuel tanks contained about 15 gallons of fuel each. The auxiliary tanks held about 5 gallons each, and the right tip tank contained 1 gallon. The left tip tank had been damaged by impact forces and contained no fuel. The fuel selector, magneto switch, and electrical master switch were found in the off position. Fire department personnel reported that they turned off these switches after the accident. No contamination was found in the airframe and engine fuel systems, and all fuel lines were unobstructed.
Engine Testing
After recovery, which required removal of the wings, a fuel supply was connected to the airplane and engine fuel system. The engine was started and operated to full power with no evidence of failure or malfunction. During the engine test run, the electric fuel boost pump was moved from the off position to the low position. The engine began to fail. When the boost pump was turned off, the engine regained power. The electric fuel boost pump was tested and found to produce pressures within the normal range in both low and high positions.
Flight Manual Reference
The flight manual for the Beech K35 states that the electric boost pump is used for starting and emergency operation after failure of the engine-driven fuel pump.