20021107031229A

(.19) On November 7, 2002, at 0945 central standard time, a Beech J35 single-engine airplane, N8355D, was destroyed when it impacted a tree and terrain during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb from the Low Pass Airport near newcastle, Oklahoma. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. The airline transport pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for the clarence e. page municipal airport located near yukon, Oklahoma. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that the airplane had been at the Low Pass Airport for touchup paint work. The pilot stated that he "looked over the airplane, sumped the fuel tanks and ran up the engine." The pilot further stated that everything was "normal" and he proceeded to takeoff. After takeoff, "the engine backfired a couple of times" and he banked the airplane around to the east trying to make it back to the airport. The pilot further reported that as the airplane continued around to the north, "the engine quit." He initiated a forced landing to a field, and during the landing, the airplane struck a tree and then the ground. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest upright near a small lake. Examination of the airplane, by the FAA inspector who responded to the accident site, revealed that both wings were structurally damaged, the engine was separated from the fuselage, and the fuselage aft of the cabin was fractured. An examination of the fuel system revealed that left main fuel tank and both auxiliary fuel tanks contained fuel; however, the right main fuel tank was empty. The right main fuel tank had not been compromised. Further examination of the fuel system revealed that the fuel selector was selecting the right main tank, and the right sump area was taped. (-23) pilot took off to the south and started to climb; engine missed. Pilot banked to the east, engine missed again. Pilot banked to the north and engine quit. Pilot impacted a tree and then the earth. The engine and nose gear went north and the fuselage slid north west down a hillside. Found engine fuel selector on right main. Left main and aux tank were nearly full. Rig ht main fuel tank was empty and right aux tank was full. Found right sump area still taped off from recent paint job.