N9730R

On November 7, 2003, about 1520 eastern standard time, a Beech M35, N9730R, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power while on approach to Bellefonte Airport (N96), Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The certificated airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed from Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD), Staunton, Virginia, about 1345. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that he was flying an extended crosswind leg for runway 25 at Bellefonte Airport, in an attempt to remain below traffic departing on runway 24 at nearby University Park Airport (UNV), State College, Pennsylvania. While on the extended crosswind leg, the engine lost all power. The pilot discontinued the approach to runway 25, and immediately turned toward a clearing near UNV. While gliding toward the clearing, the pilot attempted to restart the engine by verifying the mixture was rich, repositioning the fuel selector, verifying the electric fuel pump was on, and cycling the ignition key. However, the engine did not regain power.

The airplane struck trees and came to rest prior to the clearing. During the impact, the airplane sustained damage to both wings, the propeller, and the empennage. The pilot further stated that the airplane had two 22-gallon main fuel tanks, two 15-gallon wingtip tanks, and two 10-gallon auxiliary fuel tanks. The pilot had "topped off" the auxiliary fuel tanks at SHD, and had 70 gallons of fuel on board at takeoff. The pilot further stated that the fuel selector was positioned to the right main fuel tank when the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted a restart with the fuel selector positioned to the right main fuel tank, and the left main fuel tank.

Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed fuel in both main fuel tanks. A subsequent test-run of the engine was performed at a recovery facility. The engine started with no difficulty, and ran continuously at 1500 rpm. Due to impact damage, a higher rpm setting was not attempted.

The reported wind at UNV, at 1520, was from 260 degrees at 12 knots.