ATL05FA135

Approximately four miles away from destination airport the pilot canceled the instrument flight plan and continued the flight under visual flight rules. Review of radar data revealed the flight continued 10 miles southwest of the destination airport, and was observed maneuvering before returning to the airport. Witnesses approximately a mile away from the airport reported that the engine was cutting in and out, and subsequently lost power. The airplane descended until it was below a nearby tree line. First responders to the crash site reported that the downed airplane was located in a subdivision one mile southwest of the Rock Hill Airport. The post accident examination of the fuel system revealed that there was no fuel found in the fuel lines from the main tanks to the fuel (mechanical) pump. Fuel selector was found in the left tip tank position. The electrical cross feed selector switch was in the off position. No fuel was found in the left tip tank, and the left tip tank was not breached. According to the certified fight instructor, he did not remember or recall any details of the actual flight nor of the accident.

History of flight

On July 24, 2005, at 1100 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft V35B, N9JQ, registered to and operated by a private pilot, collided with the ground during a forced landing in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The personal fight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with an instrument flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot received serious injuries. The pilot rated passengers in front left seat ,and the rear seated passenger were fatally injured. The flight departed Ohio State University Airport, Ohio on July 24, 2005, at 0900.

At 0900, the pilot contacted Ohio departure to open the flight plan. Review of records revealed the uneventful flight departed Ohio State on a cross-country flight to Rock Hill, South Carolina. Approximately four miles away from destination airport the pilot canceled the instrument flight plan and continued the flight under visual flight rules. No other radio transmissions were received from the pilot.

Review of radar data revealed the flight continued 10 miles southwest of the destination airport, and reversed course and flew back towards the airport. Witnesses approximately a mile away from the airport reported that as the airplane flew overhead the engine cut in and out, and eventually quit. The airplane began to descend and continued to descend until it was below the tree line.

First responders to the crash site reported that the downed airplane was located in a subdivision one mile southwest of the Rock Hill Airport. According to the pilot, he did not remember or recall any details of the actual flight nor of the accident.

Personnel information

Review of pilot records revealed the pilot was issued a commercial certificate on July 30, 2003, with ratings for airplane single engine, multiengine land and instrument ratings. Review of medical records revealed the pilot held a third-class medical certificate issued on February 1, 2005, valid when wearing corrective lenses during flight. Review of pilot records indicated that the pilot accumulated a total of 900 flight hours.

Aircraft information

Review of aircraft records revealed that the last annual inspection was completed on July 1, 2004. The tachometer time at the time of the inspection was 2403.1, and the tachometer time reading at the crash site was 2565.5. Review of maintenance records revealed that the altimeter system, static pressure system, and transponder inspections were completed on September 23, 2004.

Meteorological information

The nearest weather reporting facility at the time of the accident was Rock Hill Airport, South Carolina. The 1054 surface weather observation was: Few clouds at 6500, visibility five statue miles, temperature 82 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point temperature 66 degrees Fahrenheit, winds variable and calm, and altimeter 30.17.

Wreckage and impact information

Post accident examination of the wreckage site revealed that the downed airplane was located in a subdivision one mile southwest of the Rock Hill Airport. There was a 153-foot ground scar along the path of the airplane, and the airplane was located at the corner of a building. Airplane sustained crush damage throughout the airframe.

Post accident examination of the airplane revealed, that all flight controls cables were traced from the flight controls in the cockpit to all flight control surfaces. Movement of the yoke left and right, forward and aft, revealed aileron, and elevator travel. Movement of the rudder pedals revealed rudder travel to the left and right.

Post accident examination of the fuel system revealed that there was no fuel found in the fuel lines from the main tanks to the fuel mechanical pump. Fuel selector was found in the left tip tank position. The electrical cross feed selector switch was in the off position. The electrical valve was tested for operation, and when energized open and closed with the movement of the switch. The mechanical fuel pump removed and the drive coupling was found intact. The fuel pump was tested, and produced suction and pressure. The connecting lines had no traces of fuel or debris. The fuel manifold was removed, and disassembled. Fuel residue was found in the manifold, and the manifold screen was clear of debris. Approximately 2-3 gallons of fuel was found in the left and right main tanks, and the tanks were breached. No fuel was found in the left tip tank, and the tank was not breached. The right tip tank was breached. Air was blown through the fuel system lines and pressure was obtained. Small traces of fuel were found in the fuel manifold and small traces were found in the fuel sump.

Post accident examination of the valve train system revealed movement throughout the valve system when the crankshaft was rotated 360-degrees. Suction and compression achieved on all cylinders. Both magnetos were removed and the drive coupling rotated freely; ignition spark from both magnetos through the ignition leads was observed.

Pathological information

The Piedmont Medical Center, Rock Hill, South Carolina preformed the postmortem examination of the private pilot on July 25, 2005. The reported cause of death was "blunt force trauma." The postmortem toxicology specimens from the pilot were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, drugs and alcohol.

Additional information

Review of fueling records revealed that the airplane was last refuel on July 23, 2005 with 42.4 gallons of fuel. The total fuel capacity load is 80 gallons, and 74 gallons usable. Review of airport records revealed the airplane was stored away in a hanger on July 23, 2005 at 1815.

The wreckage of the airplane was released to CTC Services Aviation after the field and post accident examinations on August 11, 2005.

Review of the Beechcraft Bonanza V35 Pilot Operating Handbook: section IV, before landing procedures item #2 states (Fuel selector Valve- Select tank more nearly full.