Accident Details
On December 2, 2021, about 1415 central standard time, a Beech A36, registration N8038Z, was substantially damaged in an accident near Cleveland, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that while cruising at 6,000 feet on an instrument flight rules flight plan, the engine suddenly lost power. He was not manipulating any controls at the time. The pilot navigated toward a nearby airport displayed on his GPS receiver. During the glide, he attempted multiple engine restarts, but fuel flow did not return despite using the fuel pump. He also switched fuel tanks, but the engine monitor showed no fuel flow.
While descending, the airplane broke out of clouds at about 3,000 feet. The pilot determined he could not reach the chosen airport and redirected toward a highway. During the landing flare on the highway, the right-wing tip struck a road sign. The airplane exited the highway and came to rest nose down in a ditch, with substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot stated he used the fuel flow indicator during the flight to balance fuel, switching tanks after approximately every 10 gallons burned.
Postaccident Examination
After recovery, personnel drained 22 gallons from the right-wing fuel tanks and 26 gallons from the left-wing fuel tanks. A postaccident engine test run was conducted. The wings were removed, and a temporary fuel can was plumbed into the left-wing fuel line. The propeller, which was bent, was replaced with a surrogate. The engine started on the first attempt and ran without any problems or malfunctions.
The J.P. Instruments, Inc., EDM-900 engine monitor was removed and data downloaded. The data confirmed the pilot's account: fuel flow dropped, and the engine lost power, accompanied by a loss of exhaust gas temperatures and cylinder head temperatures.
The reason for the interruption of fuel flow could not be determined during the postaccident airplane examination.