Accident Overview
On November 02, 2017, about 1735 Pacific daylight time, a Beech B95, registration N9628R, was substantially damaged during an accident near Las Vegas, Nevada. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction both sustained minor injuries.
Flight Details
Before departure, the flight instructor noted that the main fuel tank gauges indicated about two-thirds full. The pilot receiving instruction reported that upon starting the engines, the instructor commented "that's strange" and said the main fuel tanks were only one-quarter full. The student verified the gauges showed about one-quarter full. The instructor then stated, "we can run on the auxiliary tanks." The pilots departed and conducted air work before initiating an instrument approach.
Engine Power Loss and Emergency Landing
About 10 miles from the airport, the left engine lost power. The instructor attempted to troubleshoot while continuing the approach. About 6 miles from the airport, the right engine began to surge, causing "violent pitching and yawing." The instructor declared an emergency with the tower controller and chose to land on a golf course fairway. During the landing, the right wing struck an obstacle, resulting in substantial damage. The airplane came to rest submerged in a small lake. The pilots egressed from a rear window and swam to shore.
Post-Accident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration inspectors responded and noted no signs of fuel leaking or fuel slick in the water around the airplane. After recovery the next day, inspectors confirmed flight control continuity and noted that none of the fuel tanks contained fuel or water. The right main fuel bladder separated during the accident sequence; no fuel smell was detected. The airplane was moved to a secure storage facility for further examination. Both engines were examined, and no mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation.