2012 Beech A36TC Forced Landing at Fayetteville Regional Airport (N6672X)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On July 28, 2012, at approximately 1230 eastern daylight time, a Beech A36TC, registration N6672X, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power while approaching Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The aircraft was operated by a certificated private pilot with two passengers aboard, none of whom were injured. The flight departed Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) in Hatteras, North Carolina, around 1100 under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. ## Preflight Observations and Fuel Status Prior to departure, the pilot observed a fuel leak at the right wing fuel tank sump during a preflight inspection. Upon removing the fuel tank cap, no fuel was visible in the right tank, while the left tank reportedly contained approximately 32 to 33 gallons. The pilot discussed the issue with another pilot, who identified himself as an airframe and powerplant mechanic. This individual examined the fuel sump and stated it was “bad” and likely needed replacement, but indicated there was “no problem” flying the aircraft. ## Flight Progression and Engine Power Loss The pilot departed HSE for FAY, initially intending to fly north to Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) in Manteo, North Carolina, for inspection of the fuel sump, despite MQI not being on the direct route. Upon reaching MQI, the pilot chose to continue to FAY, estimating that the remaining fuel would be sufficient. Approximately 15 miles from FAY, the left fuel tank gauge indicated about 1/8 full before suddenly showing 3/4 full. During final approach at approximately 200 feet altitude, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the right tank and executed a forced landing in a field short of the runway. ## Post-Accident Examination and Engine Test A post-accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing. The left fuel tank gauge indicated 1/8 full, and the right indicated 1/4 full, but both tanks were found to be empty, with no breaches from the forced landing. No fuel staining was observed on either wing, and the right fuel sump operated normally when actuated. On August 18, 2012, an FAA-supervised engine test was conducted after adding five gallons of fuel to the left wing tank. The engine started on the first attempt and ran smoothly through all power settings without anomalies. ## Pilot and Aircraft Background The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane, reporting 784 total flight hours, including 23 in the accident aircraft type. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in February 2011. The 1979-manufactured aircraft was equipped with a Continental TSIO-520, 300-hp, turbo-supercharged reciprocating engine. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on May 23, 2012, at 4,623 airframe hours, and the engine had 1,130 hours since its last overhaul. ## Weather and Fuel Consumption Data The 1240 weather observation at FAY reported winds from 220 degrees at 8 knots, clear skies, 10 miles visibility, a temperature of 31 degrees Celsius, a dew point of 21 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.99 inches of mercury. According to the manufacturer’s pilot’s operating handbook, the aircraft’s estimated fuel consumption at 4,000–5,000 feet under standard conditions and maximum cruise power was approximately 18 gallons per hour. At an estimated cruise speed of 160 knots, the total flight duration was estimated at about 1.3 hours assuming calm winds.