N67CW

On August 24, 2021, about 1030 central daylight time, a Beech A36 airplane, N67CW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Granbury, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported to the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that shortly after departure from the Pecan Plantation Airport (0TX1), the engine lost power. The pilot selected a nearby field for a forced landing. An inspection of the airplane by the FAA inspector noted damage to the airplane’s wings and fuselage. Fuel was available in the airplane’s fuel tanks and the fuel selector was positioned to the left tank. The engine had about 8 quarts of oil in it. (See figure 1)

Figure 1: Accident airplane FAA photo

During recovery of the airplane, about 80 gallons of fuel, split evenly between the fuel tanks, were recovered from the airplane.

After the wreckage was recovered, an examination and test run were conducted. The fuselage, minus the wings, was strapped down to a trailer. The top engine cowling was removed, and a visual inspection of the engine did not reveal any pre-impact abnormalities. A fuel canister was connected to the airplane’s fuel line on the airplane’s left side. The engine started without hesitation or delay and was then warmed up at idle rpm. The throttle was advanced, and a magneto check was completed; no anomalies were noted. Full throttle was then applied, and the engine responded accordingly.

Before and after the test run, data from the engine monitor was downloaded. The data did not illustrate any abnormalities with either the cylinder head temperature or exhaust gas temperatures that were recorded; the total loss of power was evident. The airplane’s fuel tanks, and main fuel strainer were checked for contaminates/blockage. No abnormalities were noted during the examination and engine test run and the engine appeared to make rated power.