Accident Details
On October 8, 2013, about 0800 central daylight time, a Beech S35 airplane, N6861Q, owned and operated by a private pilot, impacted trees and terrain approximately half a mile from the approach end of runway 13 at Brownwood Municipal Airport (BWD), Brownwood, Texas. The accident followed a loss of engine power. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. A postimpact fire ensued, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight had departed Coleman, Texas, at 0745 and was en route to BWD.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported making a straight-in approach to land when the accident occurred. He stated that at an altitude of about 800 feet above ground level (agl) with the landing gear extended, the engine lost power. No engine roughness or unusual sounds were noticed before the power loss. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but could not regain power. He noted that sun glare prevented him from seeing the terrain until he was approximately 150 feet agl. The airplane contacted mesquite trees, cactus, and the terrain, immediately erupting into flames. The pilot suffered second and third degree burns but was able to extricate himself from the wreckage.
Aircraft Damage
The postimpact fire consumed the fuselage. Both main landing gears were damaged, and the nose gear was sheared off. One propeller blade was bent rearward, while the other remained straight.
Pilot and Aircraft History
The pilot had purchased the airplane five days prior to the accident. An annual inspection had been performed in July, and a pre-buy inspection was conducted just before the purchase. The airplane had flown 14 hours since the annual inspection. The pilot's logbook and aircraft maintenance records were onboard and destroyed in the fire.
Post-Accident Examination
The engine was examined on November 15, 2013. Evidence of foreign material was found on the fuel pump vanes, the fuel manifold, and the fuel metering unit inlet screen. No other anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation were noted. The fuel metering unit fuel screen was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory. Visual examination revealed a yellow-brown, slightly rigid material adhered to the outer surface of the fuel screen; small amounts had flowed through to the inner surface. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy identified the material as polyester. The source of the material could not be determined.