What happened
On August 27, 2022, a Beech B35, registration N8741A, was destroyed following an accident near French Lick, Indiana. The aircraft was operating as a private flight under Part 91 regulations. The pilot departed Fischer's Airport (6LL6) in New Memphis, Illinois, and was flying toward his home airport, French Lick Municipal Airport (FRH).
Radar data indicated that as the aircraft approached the airport, it flew over the field at approximately 500 feet above the ground before performing a right turn and a sweeping, descending left turn onto the final approach for runway 08. Approximately 0.2 miles from the runway end, the aircraft was traveling at 86 knots at an altitude of about 33 feet above ground level.
Airport surveillance captured the aircraft touching down on runway 08 and subsequently departing the runway surface to the left. The aircraft then became airborne and impacted trees just outside the perimeter fence, followed by a large explosion. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined wreckage at the site, where the aircraft was found in a wooded area. The right wing had struck a tree at midspan before the aircraft impacted the terrain and came to rest upright. A post-impact fire consumed much of the fuselage, instrument panel, and the inboard portions of both wings.
Runway witness marks showed the left main wheel touched down 1,036 feet past the runway threshold. Additional marks from the nose and right main gear were found 29 feet further along, continuing for 165 feet until the aircraft exited the runway onto the grass. The marks then extended another 109 feet before the aircraft struck the trees.
Mechanical examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of pre-impact malfunctions or deficiencies that would have prevented normal operation. While the aileron balance cable and elevator trim tab cable showed thermal damage, control cable continuity was established from the cockpit to the control surfaces. The left main landing gear was down and locked, while the right main gear was extended but not locked.
An autopsy and toxicology report found that the pilot's cause of death involved smoke inhalation and severe incineration. Toxicology testing showed a carboxyhemoglobin saturation of 20% and the presence of cyanide; however, the presence of timolol, a non-impairing blood pressure medication, was also noted.