Accident Details
On September 4, 2025, at approximately 1105 central daylight time, a Beech K35 airplane, registration N6021E, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Cambridge, Minnesota. The pilot, who was also the airplane owner, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Information
ADS-B data indicated that the airplane departed from Anoka County/Blaine Airport (ANE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 1052. The flight proceeded north with the intention of landing at Cambridge Municipal Airport (CBG), a non-towered airport. ADS-B data terminated approximately 2.38 miles south of the approach end of runway 34 at CBG.
Wreckage Location and Damage
The airplane came to rest upright in a grass field just north of runway 16 at CBG, about 0.37 miles from the approach end of runway 16. Substantial damage was noted to both wings and the fuselage.
Aircraft Examination
Onsite examination confirmed flight control cable continuity. The main landing gear and flaps were found in the retracted position. The pitch trim was set at 10°, with the trim tab down. The fuel selector valve was positioned to the auxiliary fuel tank. Approximately 18 gallons of fuel were recovered from the right wing main fuel tank, and about one gallon from the right wing auxiliary tank. Due to impact damage, no fuel was recovered from the left wing main or auxiliary tanks. The strainer was free of debris, and about two ounces of fuel were recovered from it with no contamination noted.
Engine Examination
The engine-driven fuel injection pump was removed. The pump drive coupling was intact with no damage. Flexible fuel lines were removed from the pump; the hose supplying fuel from the firewall to the fuel pump was fractured at the pump fitting. All hoses contained only trace amounts of fuel. The fuel metering valve and finger screen were intact and free of contamination, with no fuel present in the metering valve. The fuel manifold was disassembled; the screen was clean, and no fuel was found in the sediment area. No fuel leaks or loose fuel line B-nuts were observed on the engine.
Fuel System Limitations
The airplane was equipped with a Continental Motors IO-470-C reciprocating engine and a Beech 278-100-7 two-blade constant-speed aluminum propeller. According to the Beech K35 Pilot’s Operating Handbook, the fuel limitations state: "Use auxiliary fuel in level flight only and do not use for takeoff or landing." Additionally, the accident airplane had the required placard for auxiliary fuel usage reading: "Level flight only."
Recorder Data
The wreckage was recovered and transported to a secure location. A J.P. Instruments EDM 830 unit and a Sentry ADS-B unit were secured and sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory for further examination.