N35MD

On June 7, 1997, at 1145 eastern daylight time (EDT), N35MD, a Beech V35, landed hard at Spruce Creek Airport, in Daytona Beach, FL. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. A flight plan was not filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The private pilot sustained serious injuries, the two passengers sustained minor injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Fort Pierce at 1100.

A witness was taxiing to the run-up area for runway 23, behind a line of trees facing northwest, when he recognized N35MD pilot's voice on the radio. He heard the pilot declare an emergency. He stated that, about 20 seconds later, he saw a "V-tail Bonanza at about 75 feet altitude over the displaced threshold, in a slipping 45 degree bank to the left, descending rapidly towards the runway surface, with approximately level pitch". The witness stated he then saw the left wing hit the runway and then the airplane went out of sight behind the trees. He stated he taxied onto the runway and saw N35MD on "the runway, right side up, and badly damaged".

According to the FAA inspector who interviewed the pilot, the pilot stated that he exhausted the fuel from the right tank and the engine quit while on final approach. The pilot switched to the left tank and was unsuccessful in restarting the engine. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot.

According to the FAA inspector the propellers were severely bent, the left tip tank was dented, the nose gear was collapsed, the engine cowling was dented, and both wings were penetrated by the main gear. Also, there was an oil and fuel leak.

The pilot performed his biennial requirements through the Wings program, in accordance with AC-6198.