N471T

On October 14, 2003, at 1530 central daylight time, a Beech A33, N471T, collided with a hay bale during an off airport forced landing following a loss of engine power, in Grandview, Missouri. The ATP certificated pilot and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Topeka, Kansas, at 1500.

The pilot reported he was at an altitude of 3,000 above mean sea level when he attempted to switch the fuel selector from an auxiliary tank to one of the main fuel tanks in preparation for landing. He reported that when he moved the selector handle, it came off in his hand. The pilot reported, "I put the handle back on the shaft but it would not move the selector valve. It would only spin on the shaft." He reported that shortly thereafter, the fuel in the auxiliary tank was exhausted and the engine lost power.

The pilot reported he selected a field in which to make the forced landing. He stated that during the landing the left wing contacted a large hay bale that was in the field.

Post accident inspection of the fuel selector indicated the roll pin which holds the selector handle on its shaft was missing. The pin was not located.