Accident Overview
On January 27, 2019, at 1634 central standard time, a Beech A36, registration N36PS, experienced a loss of engine power while conducting a practice instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 34 at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (FTW), Fort Worth, Texas. The airline transport certificated pilot executed an off-airport forced landing in a field approximately 5 miles southeast of FTW. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward portion of the fuselage. The pilot reported minor injuries, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Angel Fire, New Mexico (AXX), at 1300, with an intended destination of Arlington Municipal Airport (GKY), Arlington, Texas.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that before departing AXX, both fuel tanks were three-quarters full. During the flight, he maintained fuel balance by switching between the left and right tanks several times. Approaching the Dallas-Fort Worth Terminal Control Area, he requested and received vectors for a practice ILS approach to FTW. After following slower traffic, he requested termination of the approach and indicated he would continue to GKY. Shortly after climbing to 1,500 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot moved the fuel selector to the other tank and attempted to restart the engine, but it did not restart. He noted that he failed to activate the electric boost pump as required by the emergency checklist, and due to the aircraft's low altitude, he did not have time to consult the checklist. He lowered the landing gear but chose not to extend the flaps. The airplane touched down on soft ground; the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane pitched forward.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the wreckage and obtained clear, bright fuel from the left fuel tank that appeared free of contaminants. The fuel gauges indicated slightly more than one-quarter full in the left tank, while the right tank indicated empty. Visual inspection of the tanks showed a small, unknown quantity of fuel in the left tank and an empty right tank. The fuel selector was found positioned on the left tank. No mechanical anomalies were identified with the engine or fuel system that would have precluded normal operation.