N5210C

On August 23, 1998, at 1240 central daylight time, a Beech B35, N5210C, piloted by an airline transport pilot, received substantial damage during impact with terrain following a forced landing into a corn field. The aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power after take off from Runway 24 (4,355 feet by 150 feet, concrete/dry) at Iowa City Municipal Airport near Iowa City, Iowa. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 local proficiency flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated at Iowa City Municipal Airport at 1210.

The pilot stated that he had performed two take off and landings and taxied for approximately 5 minutes prior to performing the third take off attempt. On the initial climb during the third takeoff, at approximately 350 feet above ground level, the pilot reported that the engine sputtered and quit. He selected the right tank and pumped the wobble pump but the engine gave an additional sputter and quit again. The pilot further described that he then switched back to the left tank but was so low that he had to direct his full attention to executing a safe landing. The aircraft landed in a corn field and reported that the aircraft received substantial damage. In a written statement by the pilot, he reported that there was 38 gallons of 100 Low Lead fuel aboard at last takeoff and that there were no unusual vibrations of noises from the engine.

Examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration maintenance inspector found the fuel selector was selected to the left main fuel tank and the left main fuel tank was 3/4 full of a light blue colored fuel. The right tank was empty and the 20 gallon auxiliary fuel tank was estimated to be 1/2-3/4 full of fuel.

The engine, Teledyne Continental E185-11, serial number 26643-D-8-11, was shipped to Teledyne Continental Motors for examination and testing under the supervision of the National Transportation Safety Board. The testing and examination revealed no anomalies.

The Beechcraft B35 standard fuel system has two 20 gallon tanks in the wings, of which 34 gallons is usable. Additionally, the optional 20 gallon auxiliary tank has a usable fuel of 19 gallons. The limitations section of the Beechcraft B35 Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) states, "Do not take off when the Fuel Quantity Gages indicate in the Yellow Band or with less than 10 gallons in each main tank.". Furthermore, the systems description of fuel tank selection in the POH states, "In no case should a take-off be made ... with less than 10 gallons of fuel in each main tank.