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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 7, 2003 · Beech M35 · N9730R

Bellefonte, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 7, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bellefonte, PA
Aircraft
Beech M35
Tail Number
N9730R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04LA027

The pilot departed with 70 gallons of fuel and flew approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to his destination airport. While on an extended crosswind leg for the runway, the engine lost all power. The pilot discontinued the approach, and immediately turned toward a clearing. While gliding toward the clearing, the pilot attempted to restart the engine by verifying the mixture was rich, repositioning the fuel selector, verifying the electric fuel pump was on, and cycling the ignition key. The fuel selector was positioned to the right main fuel tank when the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted a restart with the fuel selector positioned to the right main fuel tank, and the left main fuel tank. However, the engine did not regain power. The airplane struck trees and came to rest prior to the clearing. Examination of the wreckage revealed fuel present in both main fuel tanks. A subsequent test-run of the engine was performed at a recovery facility. The engine started with no difficulty, and ran continuously at 1500 rpm.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power during approach for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On November 7, 2003, about 1520 eastern standard time, a Beech M35, N9730R, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power while on approach to Bellefonte Airport (N96), Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The certificated airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed from Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD), Staunton, Virginia, about 1345. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he was flying an extended crosswind leg for runway 25 at Bellefonte Airport, in an attempt to remain below traffic departing on runway 24 at nearby University Park Airport (UNV), State College, Pennsylvania. While on the extended crosswind leg, the engine lost all power. The pilot discontinued the approach to runway 25, and immediately turned toward a clearing near UNV. While gliding toward the clearing, the pilot attempted to restart the engine by verifying the mixture was rich, repositioning the fuel selector, verifying the electric fuel pump was on, and cycling the ignition key. However, the engine did not regain power. The airplane struck trees and came to rest prior to the clearing. During the impact, the airplane sustained damage to both wings, the propeller, and the empennage. The pilot further stated that the airplane had two 22-gallon main fuel tanks, two 15-gallon wingtip tanks, and two 10-gallon auxiliary fuel tanks. The pilot had "topped off" the auxiliary fuel tanks at SHD, and had 70 gallons of fuel on board at takeoff. The pilot further stated that the fuel selector was positioned to the right main fuel tank when the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted a restart with the fuel selector positioned to the right main fuel tank, and the left main fuel tank. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed fuel in both main fuel tanks. A subsequent test-run of the engine was performed at a recovery facility. The engine started with no difficulty, and ran continuously at 1500 rpm. Due to impact damage, a higher rpm setting was not attempted. The reported wind at UNV, at 1520, was from 260 degrees at 12 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EST
Nearest AirportBellefonte Airport (4nm SW)
Runway25
Runway Length3585 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech M35
Tail NumberN9730R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO 470-C · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 25 C
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time20:20
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data