20020329009339A

(.19) On March 29, 2002, approximately 2110 central standard time, a Beech D-35, N2966B, single-engine airplane, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under 14 code of federal regulations part 91. The private pilot received serious injuries, the passenger in the right front seat received fatal injuries, and the passenger in the right rear seat received minor injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight departed gonzales, Louisiana, at an unknown time. The pilot obtained a weather briefing prior to the departure from gonzales. During the flight, the pilot received VFR flight following from air traffic control facilities. The pilot reported that the airplane was in cruise flight at 3,500 feet MSL when the engine lost power. The pilot stated that he performed the emergency procedures; however, the engine did not restart. During the emergency descent to fm 343, the airplane struck trees and terrain. The pilot and rear seat passenger exited the airplane, walked to fm 343, where they were transported by local citizens to a store. A citizen at the store called 911, and the occupants were transported via ground ambulance to the local hospital. Two witnesses reported observing the airplane's green and red light flashing at approximately "tree top height." Both witnesses stated that they did not hear the engine. The global positioning system (GPS) location of the accident site was 31 degrees 39.99 minutes north; 94 degrees 42.84 minutes west in a creek bed. The main wreckage came to rest inverted on a measured magnetic heading of 011 degrees approximately 54 feet north of fm 343. The distance to the a. l. mangham jr. regional airport, Nacogdoches, Texas, was approximately 5 nautical miles. The outboard portion of the left wing was folded over the cabin, and the outboard portion of the right wing was separated from the airframe. Both wings exhibited physical evidence of tree impact. The engine came to rest inverted in approximately 2 feet of water. One propeller blade was straight, and one propeller blade was bent aft. Oil was found along the entire lower surface of the fuselage. Local authorities, who responded to the site, reported fuel leakage. The integrity of the right wing tip tank, and the left wing main tank was compromised. An estimated 9 gallons of fuel were found in the right wing main tank, a few ounces in the left wing tip tank, and 1 gallon in the fuselage tank. (-23) on March 29, 2002, at approximately 9:10 pm, a single engine Beechcraft bonanza model D-35, N2966B, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. At the accident site oil was found along the entire lower surface of the fuselage. Local authorities at the site reported fuel leakage. An estimated 9 gallons of fuel were found in the right wing main tank, a few ounces in the left wing tip tank, and 1 gallon in the fuselage tank. The pilot was interviewed and advised that there was a sudden engine stoppage. The pilot activated the hand operated mechanical fuel pump and the engine remained stopped.