N1315J

On August 13, 1994, at 1920 central daylight time, a Rockwell International 112A, N1315J, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Eagle Lake, Texas. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Two passengers received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight.

A review of Air Traffic Control data revealed the following information. At an altitude of 5,500 feet MSL en route at 50 miles from Eagle Lake VOR, the pilot contacted Houston Center for flight following to Clover Field, Houston, Texas. He was given an altimeter setting of 30.00 but radar contact was not established. The airplane descended to 4,000 feet MSL due to haze. The pilot was advised to contact Houston Approach for flight following.

During a telephone interview, the pilot stated the following information. At 3,500 feet MSL a total loss of engine power occurred and the attempted restart was unsuccessful. The airplane was not in gliding distance of the Eagle Lake Airport. A rice field was selected for the forced landing. During the landing roll, the nose gear hit a dike.

The pilot further stated that the firewall, engine mounts, and fuselage were damaged. Usable fuel during the recovery of the airplane was measured by the pilot as 3 and 1/2 gallons from the right fuel tank and 5 and 1/2 gallons from the left fuel tank. He also said fuel was found in the injector lines.