Accident
On November 17, 2010, at approximately 1940 central standard time, a Beech 35-33, registration N5481, impacted trees following a loss of engine power near Roanoke, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The cross-country flight originated from Jackson, Mississippi, and was en route to Roanoke, Texas.
According to a written statement from the pilot, while on base leg for runway 35, the engine "went to idle power." The pilot performed the emergency checklist but could not restore engine power. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane struck several trees. The right wing separated from the fuselage, and the left wing was crushed aft and embedded into an adjacent tree.
Aircraft and Fuel Examination
The salvage recovery team reported that the right main fuel tank contained 8 gallons of fuel, the right auxiliary fuel tank contained 1/2 gallon, the left main fuel tank contained 15 gallons, and the left auxiliary fuel tank contained 1 quart.
An engine test run was conducted with the motor still attached to the airframe, using an external fuel source connected to the left side fuel system. The engine started and accelerated to 2,400 rpm. Dark black smoke was observed from the exhaust, and the engine ran rough at full mixture but smoothed when leaned.
Further examination of the fuel delivery system revealed that the number five fuel nozzle, main filter screen, and fuel screen were contaminated. The source of the contaminants was not determined.
The fuel system was bench-tested and operated as designed. The leak rate on the metering unit return to the fuel pump was higher than normal. Additional examination showed that the diaphragm on the manifold was less pliable than a newer diaphragm, but no cracks or leaks were found.