Accident Overview
On March 17, 2023, at 1414 eastern daylight time, a Beech V35 (N5616S) was substantially damaged during an accident near Shoreham, New York. The aircraft was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were uninjured.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, he had previously “topped off” the fuel tanks. On the day of the accident, he performed a preflight inspection and noted no anomalies. He departed Brookhaven Airport (HWV), Shirley, New York, for a local flight. About 20 minutes into the flight, while cruising at 3,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot noticed an increase in manifold pressure accompanied by a decrease in engine rpm. He attempted to restore engine power by switching fuel tanks, switching magnetos, and applying alternate air, but the engine did not respond. Observing that the ocean tide was low, he elected to land on the beach. The airplane landed hard, causing the landing gear to collapse and substantial damage to the left-wing spar. The aircraft veered left and came to rest in the water. Throughout the sequence, the pilot noted that the propeller was slowly windmilling.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that it contained 12 quarts of oil. The top spark plugs were removed. The No. 1 top plug was oil-fouled. The No. 2, 3, and 5 plugs were contaminated by saltwater submersion. Fuel was present in the fuel line to the engine-driven fuel pump and at the engine fuel divider. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed; its shaft was intact, and the pump turned by hand with no anomalies. All cylinders were examined with a lighted borescope, but the cylinder walls and valves were obscured by saltwater corrosion. The fuel injectors were removed and visually inspected; they were not blocked. The magnetos were examined and found filled with salt water.
Conclusion
Examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.