Accident Overview
On April 26, 2013, at approximately 1835 central daylight time, a Beech G36 airplane, registration N222GL, conducted a forced landing in an open agricultural field near Hoxie, Kansas. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Garmin International Inc. under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instrument flight rules flight plan. The flight originated from Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colorado, at about 1605 mountain daylight time, and was en route to New Century AirCenter Airport (KIXD) in Olathe, Kansas.
Pilot's Account
According to a statement provided by the pilot, the airplane's fuel tanks were filled and sumped prior to departure at Centennial Airport. Approximately one hour after departure, while cruising at 11,000 feet mean sea level, the engine began to run rough with vibrations and decreasing power. The propeller rpm decreased, and the pilot attempted to restore engine power. Unable to reach the nearest airport, the pilot performed a forced landing to an open field. During the landing, the airplane's nose gear was sheared off, and the left wing partially separated from the fuselage, with buckling of the structure above the left main landing gear.
Data Recording and Fuel Consumption
The airplane was equipped with a Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system. A download of recorded data revealed that after departure, the engine consumed fuel from the left fuel tank until 1730 central daylight time, when the right tank was selected. Fuel from the right tank was consumed for 45 minutes before being switched back to the left tank. Approximately 11 minutes after switching back, the recorded fuel flow decreased from about 15 gallons per hour to 1 gallon per hour.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane was transported to a repair facility in Wellston, Oklahoma. During recovery, approximately 60 gallons of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks, with nearly equal amounts from each wing tank. An examination at the facility found that the fuel selector moved freely with noticeable detents. The fuel line and fuel vent lines were examined and found unobstructed. No anomalies were detected with the airframe.
The engine was removed and transported to an engine overhaul facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Under the auspices of the Federal Aviation Administration, the engine was placed on a test bed. An engine run was performed, and the engine started on the first attempt and produced power. No anomalies were detected with the engine.