Accident Details
On August 4, 2018, about 1500 central daylight time, a Beech 35 airplane, N533JW, impacted terrain after a loss of engine power during an approach to the Starke County Airport (OXI), Knox, Indiana. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated from Lacon, Illinois, about 1400.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported leveling off at 5,500 ft for the cross-country flight and selecting the left main fuel tank, which indicated just under ½ tank. About 10 miles from the destination, he switched to the fullest fuel tank. After entering the traffic pattern, he reduced the throttle to slow the airplane. While on final approach, to arrest a descent, he advanced the throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The pilot turned the boost pump on to "emergency – high" with no response. He then reduced the throttle to idle and slowly advanced it again, still no response, so he turned the boost pump off and prepared for the forced landing.
Post-Accident Examination
The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found the airplane had impacted a cornfield and terrain just short of the runway. The engine was bent downward from the firewall, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The inspector opened the fuel tanks and noted fuel was available at various levels. After disconnecting lines near the fuel manifold, fuel was present in the lines. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility and examined by a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator and a technical representative from the engine manufacturer.
Engine and Fuel Analysis
Data from the airplane's engine monitor was downloaded. A review found three files for August 4th. The first file documented a 1.85-hour flight starting at 1810 UTC, with fuel used from 0.0 to 19.1 gallons. The second file indicated the monitor was powered on for just over a minute. The third file, starting at 2108 UTC, spanned 0.94 hour and corresponded to the accident flight, showing 30.4 gallons used. The pilot reported 33 gallons of fuel at last takeoff. During examination, the propeller shaft was rotated by hand, and drivetrain continuity was confirmed through the valve train and accessory section. Suction and compression were noted on all cylinders. No anomalies were found that would have prevented the engine from producing rated horsepower.