What happened
On June 10, 2023, a Beech B35, registration N8725A, was involved in a fatal accident near Orangeburg, South Carolina. The flight departed from Hampton County Airport (3J0) in Hampton, South Carolina, en route to Jim Hamilton L B Owens Airport (CUB) in Columbia, South Carolina.
While flying in visual meteorological conditions, the pilot was receiving flight following services from air traffic control. At approximately 1019 EDT, the pilot contacted air traffic control to declare an emergency, stating that the engine was losing power. Although the controller advised that Orangeburg Municipal Airport (OGB) was only six miles away, the pilot indicated that the aircraft would likely be unable to reach that airport. Shortly after, the aircraft's ground speed dropped significantly, and radar contact was lost at 1021 EDT. The aircraft subsequently impacted trees and terrain about one-quarter mile northeast of its last radar position, resulting in a post-impact fire. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the aircraft had impacted the ground in a steep, nose-down attitude. The cockpit and cabin areas were heavily damaged by fire, and the wing bladder-type fuel tanks were breached. The landing gear was found in the extended position, and the wing flaps were set to 30 degrees.
Mechanical examination of the engine revealed that the pushrod for the No. 3 cylinder intake valve was bent. While the pushrod tube showed no impact damage, the intake valve exhibited carbon buildup on the stem, and both the intake and exhaust tappet faces for the No. 3 cylinder showed abnormal wear.
Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had experienced various engine issues, including oil leaks and exhaust system discrepancies, during a trip to New Mexico several months prior to the accident. While repairs were documented for some components, there was no record of subsequent inspections or repairs addressing the specific issues identified in the engine's history.