Accident Overview
On May 17, 2020, at 1145 Pacific daylight time, a Beechcraft BE-35 airplane, registration N8359D, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Cascade Locks, Oregon. The pilot reported minor injuries, and the passenger was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the preflight and run-up inspections were thorough and uneventful. The flight departed with the fuel selector set to the LEFT MAIN position. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the AUX TANK position. Shortly thereafter, he initiated a return to the departure airport. During the return, he decided to familiarize himself with a local airport, announcing his position on the CTAF and his intention to conduct a low approach. While on final approach, the pilot noticed a person standing near the runway. After overflying that person, he advanced the throttle to full power and retracted the flaps. One to two seconds after initiating a climb, the pilot noted a lack of acceleration and a decrease in engine volume. He returned to level flight and switched the fuel selector from AUX TANK to RIGHT TANK.
Forced Landing and Recovery
With the throttle, mixture, and propeller levers full forward, the pilot scanned for a suitable landing area. Seeing only a rocky shoreline, he prepared for a forced landing on the water. The airplane touched down in the water near the shoreline. The pilot and passenger exited unassisted and swam to shore. The aircraft was later recovered from approximately 20 feet of water less than a mile from the airport.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination was conducted after recovery. The spark plugs were removed; their electrodes were intact with no mechanical damage. The engine was rotated via the propeller, and valve train continuity and thumb compression were obtained on all cylinders. Both magnetos were removed, rotated, and produced spark at all terminal leads. The fuel selector was found in the RIGHT TANK position. The fuel selector plate bore the words “AUX TANK, LEVEL FLIGHT ONLY.”