# NTSB ATL99LA118: Beech G35, N4473D, Columbus, MS, August 15, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 15, 1999, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC) - Place: Columbus, MS - Coordinates: 33.499553, -88.39904 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4996&lon=-88.3990&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 23, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 47050 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL99LA118 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47050/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL99LA118 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and unsuitable terrain to make a forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, maneuvering - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - crop - terrain condition - none suitable ## Analysis The pilot completed a preflight inspection of the airplane and the airplane had been topped-off with aviation fuel. During the engine run-up, all systems reportedly operated normally, and no obvious engine problems were noted. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot report that while practicing the stall series, the engine lost power. After attempts to regain full engine power, the flight instructor took control of the airplane and made a forced landing to a corn field. During the post-accident examination of the airplane, a substantial amount of fuel was observed in the fuel system. The examination also disclosed that there was no fuel present in the fuel flow divider. The engine examination failed to disclose a mechanical problem with the engine. However, the examination of the airplane revealed that a lawn mower battery was installed in the airplane. According to the pilot, an annual inspection had been completed by the previous owner several days before the purchase. ## Factual narrative On August 15, 1999, at 1200 central daylight time, a Beech G35, N4473D, collided with the ground during an attempted forced landing eight miles southwest of Columbus, Mississippi. The instructional flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged. The certified flight instructor, and the private pilot were not injured. The local flight departed Lowndes County Airport in Columbus, Mississippi, at 1130. The pilot reported that he had recently purchased the airplane and the purpose of the flight was instructional. He further stated that he had completed a preflight inspection of the airplane and it had been topped-off with aviation fuel. During the engine run-up all systems reportedly operated normally, and no obvious engine problems were noted. According to the pilot, the flight departed Columbus and they flew to an upper air training area. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot report that while practicing the stall series, the engine lost power. After attempts to regain full engine power, the flight instructor took control of the airplane and established an emergency descent for a forced landing. The flight instructor selected a nearby cornfield for an emergency landing. During the landing phase of the emergency, the airplane sustained substantial damage. During the post-accident examination of the airplane, a substantial amount of fuel was observed in the fuel system. The examination also disclosed that there was no fuel present in the fuel flow divider. The engine examination failed to disclose a mechanical problem with the engine. However, the examination of the airplane revealed that a lawn mower battery was installed in the airplane. According to the pilot an annual inspection had been completed by the previous owner several days before the purchase. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4473D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4473D-2013-08-19), registration cancelled 2013-08-19, S/N D-4614, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Beech G35 - Registry model: [Beech G35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-g35) (registry code 1151516) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental E225 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e225-series) (registry code 17015, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 4614 - Airframe hours: 6064 - Engines: Continental E225 225 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: David R. Fulton - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1999 - Departed: UBS ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 334 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: GTR ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19990815024039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990815024039A), Aug 15, 1999: Beech G35, Columbus, MS, Substantial damage. (Tty) VFR training, acft had recovered from a stall, lost power, forced landed in cornfield. (.19) on August 15, 1999, at 1200 central daylight time, a Beech… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.