CEN23LA066

The pilot reported the airplane was topped off with fuel before the flight. He reported that the flight was normal, and he switched fuel tanks when he reached the initial approach fix for the instrument approach. The pilot then canceled his instrument clearance and continued a visual approach to the airport that was normal until he was on short final when the engine stopped producing power. The pilot stated he made one attempt to restore the engine power, which included switching fuel tanks. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot performed a forced landing to a field about one mile short of the runway. During the forced landing the airplane’s fuselage was substantially damaged and a postimpact fire ensued, consuming a majority of the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed the engine had been exposed to the postimpact fire. Valvetrain continuity was established throughout the engine. The magnetos and spark plugs were functionally tested and performed normally. The cylinders were examined with a borescope and showed signs of normal wear. The engine fuel components were examined and appeared clear of debris. The remainder of the airplane’s fuel system could not be tested due to the postimpact fire. All of the metal propeller blades had chordwise scratches observed on the cambered side as well as nicks and gouges on the leading edges indicative of the propeller producing some amount of power at impact. The engine examination did not reveal any malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation of the engine; therefore, the cause of the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

On December 19, 2022, about 1505 central standard time, a Beech A36 airplane, N8137P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Harrison, Arkansas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot reported the airplane was topped off with fuel before departure. He reported that the flight was normal, and he switched fuel tanks when he reached the initial approach fix for the RNAV 18 approach at the Boone County Airport (HRO), Harrison, Arkansas. He stated that he canceled his instrument clearance as he had visual contact with the airport and the approach to the airport was normal until he was on short final, when the engine stopped producing power. The pilot stated he made one attempt to restore the engine power, which included switching fuel tanks. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot performed a forced landing to a field about one mile short of the runway. During the forced landing the airplane’s fuselage was substantially damaged and a postimpact fire ensued, consuming a majority of the fuselage. The airplane was transported to a secure facility for further examination. The engine was examined, and it exhibited signs of exposure to the postimpact fire. All 12 spark plugs were removed, bench tested, and all operated normally. The rocker box covers and engine-driven fuel pump were removed. The propeller was rotated by hand and thumb compression, valvetrain continuity, and crankshaft continuity to the accessories were all established. The cylinders were inspected using a borescope and were unremarkable. Both magnetos were removed and operated using a powered drill. The ignition harness suffered thermal damage and could not be tested. The fuel flow divider was inspected and found unremarkable. All the fuel nozzles were clear of debris. The fuel-air mixture unit was examined. All arms remained connected to the unit and the throttle arm moved freely. The fuel screen was removed and clean of debris. All the metal propeller blades had chordwise scratches observed on the cambered side as well as nicks and gouges on the leading edges. Due to the postimpact fire, the airplane’s fuel system could not be thoroughly examined.