Incident Overview
On March 10, 2021, at approximately 0230 central daylight time, a Beech 95-B55 airplane, registration N568P, was substantially damaged during an accident near Colby, Kansas. The pilot, who sustained minor injuries, was operating the aircraft under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff rotation, the pilot felt the left rudder pedal "slam to the floor" and was unable to depress the right rudder pedal. After becoming airborne, the airplane drifted left of the runway, and the pilot could not apply sufficient right rudder to correct the heading. He continued the climb to pattern altitude. While climbing, he observed through the mirror on the left engine nacelle that the towbar was still attached to the nosewheel.
The pilot circled the airport at an altitude of 4,000 feet above mean sea level for about 30 minutes while awaiting assistance. During the last circle, the right engine lost power. The pilot noted that the right fuel gauge indicated "low" while the left fuel gauge was about half full. He activated the crossfeed and low boost pump, observing that the right fuel gauge began to increase. He later reported that he should have turned on the crossfeed earlier.
With altitude reported at 250–300 feet above ground level and unable to gain airspeed or altitude, the pilot experienced difficulty with directional control and opted to perform a landing in an open field. During the landing, the fuselage and right wing sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a Beech 95-B55. The aircraft manual states that the crossfeed is to be used only when the airplane is in level flight.
Post-Accident Examination
Due to a lack of available mechanics in the local area, a detailed engine examination could not be facilitated.