Accident Details
On July 11, 2010, at approximately 1230 mountain daylight time, a Beech V35A, registration N9447S, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Elephant Butte Lake near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The private pilot was not injured. The local flight had departed Truth or Consequences Municipal Airport (KTCS) at about 1225.
Pilot's Account
In a telephone conversation, the pilot reported that while overflying the lake, the engine began losing manifold pressure. He aimed the airplane toward land and began troubleshooting. He stated that he switched the fuel selector valve to the right fuel tank. The engine produced power again just prior to impacting the water. During the forced landing, the main carry-through spar was bent and the fuselage was wrinkled.
Fueling and Recovery
When the airplane was recovered from the water, the fuel selector valve was positioned to the left fuel tank. Examination revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right fuel tank was full. No fuel slick was observed on the water. The pilot stated that he had 65 gallons of fuel added just prior to the flight and both tanks were reported full, but he did not visually verify the quantity or sump either tank. The fuel attendant confirmed topping off both tanks for a total of 64.2 gallons the day prior to the accident, noting that both tanks were "close to empty" when fueling began.
Examination
A subsequent examination of the airplane, engine, and related systems, conducted under the observation of a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, revealed no anomalies.