Accident Overview
On May 26, 2014, at about 1840 central daylight time, a Beech A36, registration N188DP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Rockdale, Texas. The aircraft was owned and operated by Pilots Choice Aviation, Inc., based in Georgetown, Texas, operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed.
Flight History
The flight originated from Huntsville Municipal Airport (KUTS) in Huntsville, Texas, at 1825, destined for Georgetown Municipal Airport (KGTU) in Georgetown, Texas. According to the pilot, both main fuel tanks were filled to capacity, but the auxiliary tanks were not serviced. The initial leg of the trip from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Huntsville was uneventful. The pilot chose to stop at Huntsville due to weather conditions in the Austin area. After several hours on the ground, the pilot and his family departed for Georgetown.
Engine Power Loss
Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the engine made "an abrupt change in sound" and began losing power. All cylinder exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) were observed above 1500 degrees Celsius. The pilot switched fuel selection from the right tank to the left tank, but power did not return, so he returned the selector to the right tank. He then advanced the mixture, throttle, and propeller controls to the full-forward position, noting that cylinder EGTs registered 200 degrees. The pilot notified air traffic control of the power loss and was provided radar vectors to H.H. Coffield Regional Airport (KRCK), about 4 miles southwest. He subsequently declared an emergency.
Forced Landing and Damage
Unable to glide to the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing on uneven terrain near County Road 322. During the landing, the right main landing gear did not extend fully, and the airplane ground looped. The fuselage was buckled, and the outboard portion of the right wing was torn off. The pilot and three passengers were not injured.
Engine Examination
On July 21, 2014, under the auspices of the National Transportation Safety Board, the engine was functionally tested at Air Salvage of Dallas in Lancaster, Texas. The engine operated satisfactorily at all power settings, and no anomalies were noted.