Accident Overview
On February 23, 2012, at approximately 1859 central standard time, a Beech 58 (registration N99EZ) experienced a total loss of engine power on both engines during a visual approach to West Houston Airport (IWS) in Houston, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was operating the airplane under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, subsequently made a forced landing about 7 miles northwest of IWS near Cypress, Texas. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger was uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing. The aircraft was registered to United Aviation Associates LLC.
Flight History
The flight originated from Vicksburg Municipal Airport in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and was destined for IWS. Night marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot requested and received a local instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance to IWS. The pilot received radar vectors for a global positioning system (GPS) runway 15 approach, then requested and was issued a visual approach clearance.
As the cloud height lowered, the pilot began to descend. Air traffic control warned the pilot of a low altitude alert. Shortly thereafter, the right engine began running rough. The pilot turned on the fuel pump, and the engine began to run smoothly. At that time, the pilot believed the engine-driven fuel pump had failed. Subsequently, both engines experienced a total loss of engine power.
Emergency Landing
The pilot attempted a forced landing to a baseball field but diverted to a road next to the field when children were on the field. The airplane touched down on a school playground, causing the landing gear to collapse. The airplane slid for about 100 feet and struck a telephone pole, tearing the wing near the engine cowling.
Post-Accident Findings
No evidence of usable fuel was present in the airplane's fuel tanks. A National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report (Form 6120.1) was not received from the pilot.