Accident Overview
On April 26, 2012, at approximately 0805 mountain daylight time, a Beech A36 airplane, registration N4830M, performed a forced landing after a loss of engine power near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The aircraft was registered to and operated by Gordon Enterprises of Albuquerque under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan. The local flight was originating from Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG) at the time of the accident. The private pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Account
According to statements provided by the pilot, the accident flight was the airplane’s first flight in several months. During initial climb, the airplane's acceleration and climb stopped, and the engine lost partial power. Unable to maintain flight, the pilot initially attempted to return to the airport but could not make it, so he chose to conduct a forced landing approach to a field.
Examination Findings
An examination of the engine by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed that the number one cylinder intake valve was partially stuck. No other defects were noted with the engine. No deficiencies were noted with the airframe. A bench test conducted on the airplane’s propeller governor did not detect any defects. A photograph of the propeller, provided by the FAA, showed curling of all three propeller blades as well as leading edge polishing on at least two blades.