Accident Summary
On July 20, 2023, about 1236 central daylight time, a Beech A36 airplane, registration N36900, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Oberlin, Kansas. The pilot was not injured, and the passenger received minor injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight and Loss of Power
The airplane departed from Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport (GCC) in Gillette, Wyoming, at about 0900 mountain daylight time, en route to Dalhart Municipal Airport (DHT) in Dalhart, Texas. While cruising over a cloud layer near Oberlin, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power, which felt as if the airplane had run out of fuel. The pilot attempted to restore power by switching to the right fuel tank and engaging the starter with the ignition key, but the engine did not restart.
Forced Landing
As the airplane descended through the cloud layer, the pilot switched back to the left fuel tank and concentrated on the instruments to maintain control. At about 1,500 ft above ground level, the airplane broke through the clouds, and the pilot regained visual ground reference. He then maneuvered for a forced landing on a road. During touchdown, the right main landing gear left the road surface and went onto the shoulder, causing the airplane to leave the road and strike an embankment. The left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
According to the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector, both fuel tanks contained visible fuel, and the fuel caps were attached and secure. The pilot speculated that a broken fuel pump shaft caused the power loss, but postaccident examination found the engine-driven fuel pump shaft and drive coupler intact. The fuel pump passed an operational check with no anomalies.
The National Transportation Safety Board examined the airframe and engine, revealing an obstruction in the left tank fuel vent. The one-way check valve in the vent was stuck closed, preventing air passage. When the vent line was pressure tested, the obstruction dislodged. Further inspection showed debris inside the check valve consistent with insect debris. No other mechanical issues were found that would have prevented normal operation. The pilot did not activate the auxiliary fuel pump during restart attempts, which is recommended by the manufacturer's emergency procedures for an inflight engine failure air start.