Accident Overview
On July 23, 2021, at 0745 central daylight time, a Beech 35-A33 airplane, registration N5ML, was substantially damaged during an accident near Mineral Wells Regional Airport (MWL), Mineral Wells, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Sequence
The pilot and passenger reported that the purpose of the flight was to refuel the airplane for an upcoming trip. After a normal takeoff, they encountered low, dense clouds. The pilot elected to divert to MWL and conducted a spiral descent through a hole in the clouds. While entering the downwind leg for runway 13, he reduced the engine power to a low setting. On final approach, the pilot attempted to add power, but the engine did not respond. He confirmed the engine was still operating by referencing the manifold and fuel pressure gauges. After manipulating the throttle several times without an increase in engine rpm from idle, the pilot initiated a landing to a nearby field. The airplane touched down hard, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest.
Post-Accident Examination
An on-scene examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the right wing was wrinkled, but there were no visible indications of a fuel leak. The auxiliary fuel tank gauge indicated empty, and the main fuel tank gauge indicated ¼ full when electrical power was applied to the airplane. The right-wing fuel tank contained about 3 inches of fuel, while no visible fuel was noted in the left-wing fuel tank. The fuel selector was found positioned to the left tank; however, the pilot stated that the right tank was selected when the power loss occurred. He reported that he turned off the fuel after the accident but must have inadvertently placed the selector on the left tank.
Engine Run
After recovery, the propeller was replaced, and a temporary fuel tank was connected to the fuel line at the left-wing root to facilitate an engine run. The engine started without issue and idled briefly. The throttle was advanced to various rpm settings, and the engine responded accordingly. The propeller control was operated, and a magneto check was completed with no anomalies observed.