Accident Overview
On July 18, 2010, at 1402 mountain standard time, a Beech A36 (registration N9SH) was substantially damaged after striking an automobile during an emergency landing approximately 1 mile west of the runway at Deer Valley Airport (DVT) in Phoenix, Arizona. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, received serious injuries. The driver of the vehicle, also the sole occupant, received minor injuries.
Flight Details
The flight was a maintenance test flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated locally at about 1300. The pilot reported that he had just completed a top overhaul of the engine and was performing a maintenance flight to break in the new cylinders. He flew for about an hour at 10,000 feet, then descended to 6,500 feet, planning to continue operating the engine for another hour.
Engine Power Loss and Forced Landing
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident scene, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that as he changed altitude, he switched the fuel tank. He thought the airplane fuel gauge was sticking because he believed there was fuel in the tank and the airplane was still flying. While contemplating the fuel gauge, the engine stopped running. The pilot stated he was just north of DVT and set up for a landing. As the airplane turned onto final, he realized it did not have enough altitude to reach the airport and decided to land on Deer Valley Road. During the forced landing, the airplane hit an automobile.
Damage and Fuel Examination
The right wing and wingtip fuel tank were substantially damaged, and both tip tanks were compromised. The FAA inspector reported that 1.5 gallons of fuel was recovered from the right wing tank and that the left fuel tank was empty. The left wing fuel tank was not damaged, but the right wing fuel tank was cracked and had leaked fuel.
Engine and Systems Examination
The engine was examined under supervision of an FAA inspector. The inspector reported no anomalies with the engine, but the magneto would not produce a spark. Further examination revealed a cracked magneto cap consistent with impact damage. The cap was replaced, and the magneto performed as designed. Examination of the remaining aircraft systems revealed no anomalies.
Pilot Report
The pilot did not submit the required Pilot/Operator aircraft accident/incident report form.