Casualties unknown

Beechcraft Bonanza Forced to Land After Engine Power Loss on Departure (N222S)

Grand Junction, CO, US

On August 1, 2004, a Beech V35A (registration N222S) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Junction, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning and decision making resulting in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing factors include the insufficient time to completely extend the landing gear, and the lack of suitable terrain for a forced 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 a fourth departure after a local flight, a Beechcraft Bonanza's engine lost power at about 500 feet. The pilot attempted to land on a different runway but landed in a field, causing substantial damage. Fuel gauge readings were in the yellow band before takeoff.

Flight Details

The pilot conducted a local flight of approximately 2 hours, which included three taxi-back landings. After the third landing, the pilot requested a fourth departure.

Fuel Indications

Prior to the third landing, the pilot observed the right main fuel tank gauge indicating 1/3 full, at the top of the yellow arc. Prior to the fourth departure, the left main fuel gauge indicated a little over 1/3 full, above the yellow arc. The pilot reported that the total fuel on board at the last takeoff was 26 gallons.

Engine Failure and Landing

During the departure from runway 22, at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot turned and attempted to land on runway 4. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing in a field. The airplane impacted terrain approximately 100 feet left of the runway centerline and came to a stop adjacent to the runway threshold.

Aircraft Damage

The impact collapsed the landing gear, buckled the airplane's right forward keel beam, and separated the step from the fuselage.

Relevant Handbook Guidance

The Beechcraft Bonanza Pilot's Operating Handbook states: "do not take off when Fuel Quantity Gauges indicate in the Yellow Band or with less than 13 gallons in each main tank."

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040810X01188. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.