Accident Details
On October 2, 2009, at approximately 1310 central daylight time, a single-engine Beechcraft A-36 airplane, registration N991PP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Refugio, Texas. The private pilot received minor injuries, and the two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered and operated by a private individual.
The flight originated from New Century AirCenter Airport (KIXD) in Olathe, Kansas, en route to Corpus Christi International Airport (KCRP) in Corpus Christi, Texas, a distance of approximately 676 nautical miles. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions, and about 180 miles from the destination, the pilot activated an instrument flight plan for the Part 91 flight.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, he departed KIXD with the fuel tanks topped off and managed fuel en route using the aircraft's engine analyzer. During the flight, he switched between the left and right fuel tanks and recorded fuel consumption. Approximately four hours into the flight, the engine began to sputter and lose power. The pilot requested and received a heading to the nearest airport from air traffic control. During the descent, he switched from the right fuel tank to the left, then back to the right, but was unable to restart the engine. Unable to reach the airport, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a field. The airplane collided with a bush before impacting terrain, then slid to a stop. The pilot and passengers exited the airplane unassisted. The pilot later stated that during the restart attempt, he did not turn on the electric-driven fuel pump, and noted that his checklist did not include this step, although the pilot's operating handbook did.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the airplane's right landing gear had been forced through the wing and that the airplane sustained substantial damage. The left wing fuel tank contained approximately two cups of fuel, and when the fuel cap from the right wing was removed, fuel would spill from the tank. The wreckage was transported to a secure facility near Lancaster, Texas, for further examination.
Engine Examination
On October 23, 2009, an examination of the engine was conducted by the NTSB investigator-in-charge with a technical representative from Teledyne Continental Motors. The engine, which had 81 hours since major overhaul, remained attached to the airframe. The wings had been removed for transport. A fuel can was connected to the airplane's fuel system on the right side wing root. The accident-damaged propeller was replaced with a test propeller. A visual inspection revealed no abnormalities. The fuel selector valve was tested in both left and right positions. The engine was started and ran for several minutes at various power settings, from idle to full power, and appeared to produce full power.