N812Y

On Wednesday, February 15, 1995 about 1237 eastern standard time, a Beech 23, N812Y piloted by William Riehl was substantially damaged during a forced landing on a field in Rochester, New Hampshire. He departed Rochester, New Hampshire destined for Concord, New Hampshire. The pilot and passenger received no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported he took off on runway 15. During the climb he heard a noise through his headset. The pilot stated, "...On climbout the popping sound became very loud in (the pilot's and passenger's headsets). At between 1100 and 1200 FT mean sea level (about 800 feet above ground level) I decided to check the (magnetos). I lowered the nose for level flight and reduced power slightly (the sound did not change). I then proceeded to turn the ignition switch counter clockwise to the first (magneto) position. The sound did not change. I returned the key to the both position. I then turned the key to the second (magneto) position. The sound did not change so I tried to jiggle the key and make it turn to the right. In my attempts to turn the key to the right I inadvertently turned the key too far left and it went into the off position. It still would not turn right. The engine had stopped. I tried to turn the key for some time, even pulling the key out and re-inserting it. Nothing worked so I decided to fly the airplane. The only open place was very close ahead and I decided to land there. The field was not large and there was a house at the far end. Of necessity the landing was hard. I did not wish to hit the house."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)Inspector stated, "Only a small, snow covered field was available at the time and a forced landing was accomplished. Due to the size of the field, the pilot made a hard landing, severing the gear. The aircraft slid to a stop in approx. 90 ft." Post accident examination revealed "With any forward pressure pushing the key in, the ignition key would stick and not turn from (left magneto) position toward both."