Accident Overview
On April 20, 2012, at 1626 eastern daylight time, a Hawker-Beechcraft Corporation A36, registration N821SM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while in cruise flight near Yorktown, New York. The certificated private pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries.
Flight Details
The flight departed Teterboro Airport (TEB) in Teterboro, New Jersey, at about 1600, and was destined for Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD) in Norwood, Massachusetts. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Pilot Actions
In a written statement, the pilot reported that the airplane was cruising at 7,000 feet when the engine lost power. He requested vectors to the nearest airport but determined the airplane would not reach it. He selected a forced landing site on the IBM corporate campus in Yorktown and completed the landing, which resulted in substantial damage. During the descent, he stated that he performed remedial actions in accordance with the checklist, switching the fuel selector from the right tank position to the left tank. The engine would surge during the descent but did not produce sufficient power to maintain altitude. In an interview with an FAA inspector, the pilot stated that he did not consult a checklist during the descent but executed emergency items "by memory."
Witness Account
A witness who saw the airplane at low altitude near the IBM campus described the engine sound as surging between idle and "extremely high rpm" and said the engine sounded as though it was "starving for fuel."
Aircraft and Pilot Information
According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1996. Its most recent annual inspection was completed July 1, 2011, at 1,460.4 total aircraft hours. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accrued 1,503 total aircraft hours. The pilot held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land and instrument ratings. He reported 383.5 total flight hours, including 165.5 hours in the accident make and model. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued November 9, 2011.
Examination Findings
Examination of the airplane at the scene by FAA inspectors revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The fuel selector was found in a position between the left tank and right tank detents. A detailed examination at a recovery facility showed continuity of the fuel system, unobstructed fuel lines and filters, and an operational fuel selector.
The engine was removed and placed in a test cell on May 2, 2012. A borescope examination of the cylinders revealed "normal" deposits and wear with no anomalies. The engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption, producing rated power with no anomalies noted.
Manufacturer Warning
The airplane manufacturer's Pilot's Operating Handbook included the warning: "POSITION [Fuel] SELECTOR IN DETENTS ONLY – NO FUEL FLOW TO ENGINE BETWEEN DETENTS."