Introduction
On November 15, 2021, at approximately 0745 central standard time, a Beech A36TC airplane, registration N1805D, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Aransas County Airport (RKP) in Rockport, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Details
Before departure, the pilot reported that the airplane contained a total of 70 gallons of fuel: 20 gallons in each wing tip tank (40 gallons total) and about 15 gallons in each main tank (30 gallons total). The cross-country flight to RKP was estimated to take about 45 minutes. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot switched the fuel selector from a main tank to the left tip tank. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot observed "a trail of fuel being sucked out of both the left and right main gas caps." Despite this, the pilot decided to continue, as the airplane was about halfway to the destination and the weather was favorable.
Emergency Landing
When the airplane was about 30 miles from RKP, the pilot switched to the left main fuel tank to prepare for a visual approach and landing. At an altitude of 1,200 feet and approximately 4 miles from the runway, the engine "sputtered a couple of times and quit completely." The pilot then switched to the right main fuel tank, which indicated half full, and attempted an engine restart, but it was unsuccessful. Returning to the left main tank, it also indicated half full. Realizing the airplane would not reach the runway, the pilot performed a ditching into Copano Bay, about 1.5 miles short of RKP. The airplane impacted the water and came to rest upright.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and ailerons. Due to water immersion, the engine could not be functionally tested. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed; residual fuel, consistent with aviation gasoline, drained from the pump, and the drive spline was intact. The magnetos were water-damaged and could not be tested. Mechanical continuity throughout the engine was confirmed when the propeller was rotated by hand. The fuel selector was found in the left main fuel tank position. When compressed air was applied to the fuel system to verify integrity, air was observed venting from both the left and right fuel caps, with no additional anomalies noted. Both fuel caps exhibited evidence of water corrosion, and the cap O-rings were dry and pliable.