Accident Summary
On June 30, 2024, at approximately 1115 central daylight time, a Raytheon Aircraft Company A36, registration N47RT, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that during the initial climb, the engine exhibited a partial loss of power. She executed a forced landing into trees off the departure end of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Fuel System Information
The pilot reported that the left fuel tank contained 30 gallons of fuel, and the right fuel tank contained 10 gallons. She stated that she had selected the left fuel tank for takeoff. However, the fuel selector was found in the off position after the accident. Postaccident fuel levels were not confirmed on scene. A placard near the fuel selector states: “Do not take off if fuel quantity gages indicate in yellow band or with less than 13 gallons in each main tank.” The auxiliary fuel pump was found in the LOW position at the accident site; the pilot reported it was in the OFF position during takeoff.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The wings had been removed for transport. The right fuel tank, main supply, and vent lines were tested with pressurized air and no obstructions were noted. The left fuel tank was ruptured during the accident sequence, and the main fuel supply line was bent and disconnected; however, no obstructions were observed in the separated line. No obstructions were found in the left fuel tank vent line.
The engine remained attached to the fuselage but was shifted forward and bent downward. The propeller remained attached to the engine with all three blades still attached at the hub. All three blades were bent aft, one of which was bent midspan about 45°, consistent with little or no power being produced at the time of impact.
Maintenance Records
A review of the maintenance records revealed that the most recent annual inspection was dated July 1, 2024, the day after the accident. The signing Authorized Inspector stated that the annual inspection was completed on June 29, 2024, and that he misdated the entry.
Engine Testing
Three postaccident engine runs were conducted. During the first run, the engine started, idled, and accelerated without hesitation. During the second run, the auxiliary fuel pump was moved from the OFF to the LOW and HIGH switch positions while the engine operated near the red line, as indicated by the manifold pressure gauge. No noticeable changes were observed. When the throttle was reduced to about 1,000 RPM and the auxiliary fuel pump was in the LOW position, it ran slightly rough; in the HIGH position, the engine ran noticeably rougher. For the third run, a portable optical tachometer indicated a maximum rpm of 2,600 at full power.
The fuel selector valve was tested with pressurized air from the left and right main fuel lines, and no anomalies were found. The fuel pump, fuel control unit, and fuel flow divider were tested at Continental Aerospace Technologies in Mobile, Alabama, and no anomalies were found that would have precluded the engine from producing the full rated horsepower.