Introduction
On June 30, 2013, at about 1145 central daylight time, a Beech C23 airplane, registration N3KT, impacted trees and terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Hot Springs, Arkansas. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial wing and fuselage damage. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, and day VFR conditions prevailed.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Texas, around 0830, destined for Memorial Field Airport (HOT) near Hot Springs. The pilots reported cruising at 3,500 feet, climbing to 5,500 feet for smoother ride, then descending back to 3,500 feet. They leaned the mixture appropriately for each altitude.
Fuel and Preflight
According to fuel receipts, the airplane was serviced with 13 gallons of 100LL avgas about 2300 on June 29. A lineman serviced the right tank with 3 gallons to bring it to the tabs, then added 5 more. The left tank was at the tabs and received 5 gallons. During preflight, the pilots visually verified 25 gallons per side and tested fuel at both tanks and engine, finding it clear and correct. They reported fuel gauges worked during flight.
Engine Power Loss
At about 8 miles from HOT, while the airport was in sight, the engine lost power. Fuel pressure dropped to zero. The pilots turned on the fuel boost pump, and the engine briefly regained power. Selecting the left tank restored power. They continued descending to 1,500 feet pattern altitude and applied carburetor heat. The pilots estimated the left tank had about 8 gallons. They radioed HOT traffic, advising of engine trouble and intentions for a straight-in approach to runway 5. Another aircraft acknowledged.
About 3 miles from the airport, the engine lost power again. Switching tanks produced only short bursts of power. The pilots radioed they would not make the airport. They scanned for landing sites, seeing a lake, trees, and houses.
Forced Landing
The pilot in the left seat handed control to the right-seat pilot. At about 900 feet AGL, they selected a small clear grassy area with a steep upward slope. A full-flaps approach resulted in a harder-than-normal touchdown. The right-seat pilot noticed a large red vehicle and wanted to avoid it. The left wing clipped a tree, initiating a counterclockwise spin. The nose hit another tree, and the airplane came to rest pointing opposite its initial touchdown direction.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage. Fuel tanks were not breached. The inspector found the fuel planning adequate for the flight. The recovery company recovered 26 ounces of fluid from both tanks. No fuel smell or stains were detected. A sample was sent to a crime laboratory; analysis showed a light petroleum product consistent with aviation gasoline. The POH indicates a 59.8-gallon system with 57.2 usable gallons. Cruise performance data showed a 12.8 gph fuel flow at 3,500 feet and 2,700 RPM, suggesting about 41.6 gallons for the 3-hour 15-minute flight. However, the computed fuel consumption is based on standard conditions.