Introduction
On September 24, 2020, about 1350 central daylight time, a Beech V35 B airplane, registration N3958A, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Terrell, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Preflight and Flight
The pilot, who had recently purchased the airplane, reported performing a preflight inspection that included a physical fuel level check in each wing with a flashlight. He checked both wing fuel sumps and drained the left fuel sump twice. He also sampled fuel from the belly fuel sump and secured its door. The flight departed Propwash Airport in Justin, Texas, about 1320, with a destination of Van Zandt County Regional Airport in Wills Point, Texas.
Forced Landing
About 30 minutes after departure, while the airplane was at approximately 2,200 ft mean sea level, the engine lost power. The pilot switched the fuel selector from the left to the right tank, but the engine did not respond. He then performed a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted trees and terrain. The left wing was compromised by impact damage, and the right wing contained fuel. The pilot reported that the fuel gauges indicated half tanks for both wings.
Post-Accident Examination
The wreckage was recovered for further examination. The engine mount area was damaged, and the engine had impacted the firewall. An engine test run could not be conducted. The three-bladed propeller remained attached; one blade tip was bent aft, and another had a slight bend aft at mid-span. Throttle and mixture cables were attached to their controls. The fuel manifold lines were connected. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed; it turned freely and its drive shear shaft was intact. The top spark plugs showed normal electrode wear. Engine timing was 22°, consistent with the factory setting. Thumb compression and suction were noted on each cylinder, and each magneto impulse coupling was heard during engine rotation. Spark was observed on all top ignition leads. Valve train and accessory drive continuity was confirmed. The oil filter contained a small amount of oil with no contaminants or debris. The fuel servo inlet screen was clear. The fuselage fuel gascolator (left side) had a clear screen, but a blue stain consistent with 100LL aviation gasoline was observed on the exterior of the bowl and top of the unit. The airplane had been modified with wing tip fuel tanks that were subsequently removed, but the components were not placarded indicating the removal. No other preimpact anomalies were noted that would have affected normal engine operation.