Accident Overview
On March 6, 2022, at about 1015 eastern standard time, a Beech A35, registration N764B, was substantially damaged during an accident near Waco, Georgia. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that during a short cross-country flight, the engine began to lose power. As he attempted to regain power, the fuel pressure indication fell to zero. The engine stopped producing power, and the pilot elected to perform an emergency landing on a road. During the approach, the airplane collided with power lines over the road before landing. After exiting the airplane and opening the engine cowling, the pilot discovered a leaking fuel line.
Examination Findings
An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed structural damage to the vertical stabilizers and fuselage. Examination of the fuel pressure indicator showed that the fuel line connecting the indicator to the carburetor had ruptured. When fuel was supplied to the line, it leaked from the rupture. The line was removed for further examination, which revealed visible signs of minor corrosion around the rupture. The fuel line was made of a soft aluminum alloy material.
Maintenance Records
A review of the Beech 35 shop manual indicated that all fuel lines should be inspected for condition during 100-hour or annual inspections. Review of the engine and airframe maintenance logbook records showed that an annual inspection was completed about 8 months prior to the accident, and the airplane had accumulated 22 flight hours since that inspection.