Incident
On December 11, 2021, at approximately 1455 Pacific standard time, a Beech K35 airplane, registration N654HR, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Temecula, California. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that approximately 8 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at about 3,100 feet mean sea level, the engine began to run roughly and lose power. He activated the fuel pump and switched the fuel selector from the left to the right tank, but the issue persisted. The engine continued to lose power until it ceased producing any thrust.
Forced Landing
The pilot maneuvered the airplane toward a golf course fairway for a landing but aborted the approach due to individuals on the fairway. He then elected to make a forced landing in a nearby grape vineyard. To minimize entanglement with the wire supporting the grapevines, the pilot kept the landing gear retracted. During the landing, the aircraft struck posts supporting the wire, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Aftermath
Before an airframe and engine examination could be conducted, the wreckage was inadvertently sold. Consequently, the reason for the loss of engine power was undetermined.