20260806011689A

On August 6, 2026 at approximately 10:39:25 CDT, a 1957 Beech model H35 had departed runway 36 at george r carr memorial airfield (kbxa) in Bogalusa, Louisiana after completing an interim fuel/rest stop. The pilot in command (private pilot certificate) is the aircraft's registered owner and was accompanied by his spouse (no pilot certificates). Shortly after departure at 10:40:47 CDT, the aircraft impacted the ground in a wooded area approximately 2500 ft from the departure end of runway 36 and slightly left of runway centerline. A post-impact fire immediately ensued as evidenced by timelines in surveillance video sources from 2 adjacent businesses. Both occupants were fatally injured. Prior to departure, the airport manager reported assisting the pilot with payment for fuel since the self-service credit card machine was not working properly. The pilot requested 40 gallons of fuel but was only able to service 35 gallons due to the pump drive motor failing at the fuel storage tank. The pilot mentioned that this would be enough even though he expressed having wanted to put more on the right side to help “get the airplane trimmed better”. Following the transaction, the airport manager intermittently observed the pilot performing what appeared to be a normal walkaround, taxi, takeoff and initial climb. After completing other tasks, the airport manager observed a smoke plume at the north end of the airfield and suspected a crash. He rushed to the crash sight and called 911 requesting emergency assistance. The local fire department was able to extinguish and contain the fire to the immediate area which was approximately a 50-foot radius from the wreckage. The parish coroner had announced both occupants deceased and protected the scene until arrival of FAA investigator(s). At approximately 14:30:00 CDT, the FAA investigator arrived on scene and the following was observed: the wreckage was contained within a relatively small 20-foot radius and was destroyed by a combination of impact forces and post-impact fire. Tree damage was found directly above the wreckage which is indicative of a near vertical approach path. Numerous 45-degree cuts occurred along one of the trees indicated the engine was likely generating power during the descent. An impact crater directly beneath the engine area was relatively shallow at less than 2 feet in depth indicative of a vertical descent from low altitude. The engine tachometer was found with markings unreadable; however, the mechanism appeared to be jammed with the needle indicating a high-power setting. The position of the tachometer needle was later estimated to be at the full power setting when a recent sales photo of the instrument was superimposed over the damaged one. The entire aircraft appeared to be present indicating that inflight breakup prior to impact was not apparent. The following day on August 7, 2026, the NTSB investigator gathered with FAA inspectors, an airframe manufacturer’s representative, engine manufacturer’s representatives and an NTSB data lab engineer to evaluate the accident. The wreckage was combed by the team for 2 days during daylight hours with the following observations confirming or adding to the FAA inspectors’ initial assessment: damage to flight controls appeared to be a result of ground impact or post-impact fire. The discernable portions of the retractable landing gear mechanism indicated a likelihood of the landing gear being fully extended or nearly so. The fuel strainer bowl did not exhibit indications of debris or deterioration. The fuel tank selector valve was positioned to feed from the auxiliary tank which was later determined to be contrary to the airplane flight manual procedures for the relevant stage of flight. The propeller was severely damaged but remained attached to the engine crankshaft. A sampling of fuel at the airport self service hose revealed that the fuel was clear of water and/or other visually detected contaminants.