Accident Overview
On August 24, 2021, at approximately 1030 central daylight time, a Beech A36 airplane, registration N67CW, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Granbury, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report and Initial Findings
The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that shortly after departure from Pecan Plantation Airport (0TX1), the engine lost power. He selected a nearby field for a forced landing. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and noted damage to the wings and fuselage.
Fuel was present in the airplane’s fuel tanks, and the fuel selector was positioned to the left tank. The engine contained approximately 8 quarts of oil. During recovery, about 80 gallons of fuel, split evenly between the two tanks, were removed from the airplane.
Post-Accident Examination and Engine Test Run
After recovery, the fuselage (minus the wings) was secured to a trailer. The top engine cowling was removed, and a visual inspection revealed no pre-impact abnormalities. A fuel canister was connected to the airplane’s fuel line on the left side. The engine started without hesitation and was warmed up at idle rpm. A magneto check showed no anomalies, and full throttle resulted in a proper engine response.
Before and after the test run, data from the engine monitor was downloaded. The data showed no abnormalities in cylinder head temperature or exhaust gas temperatures, but the total loss of power was evident. The fuel tanks and main fuel strainer were checked for contaminants or blockages; none were found. The engine appeared to produce rated power.
Conclusion
The examination and test run did not identify any mechanical or fuel system irregularities that could account for the reported loss of engine power.