ERA22LA146

The pilot reported that during the cross-country flight, the engine began to lose power and as he attempted to regain power, he noted a decrease in fuel pressure. The engine then lost all power, and the pilot made a forced landing on a road. Postaccident examination of the airplane found that the aluminum fuel line from the fuel indicator to the carburetor had ruptured. Additionally, minor corrosion was present around the ruptured area. Based on this information, it is the likely that this corrosion ultimately resulted in the rupture of the fuel line and loss of engine power. Additionally, the airframe maintenance manual prescribed that all fuel lines should have been inspected during the airplane’s most recent annual inspection, which had occurred 8 months and 22 flight hours prior to the accident. Had the corrosion been detected, and the fuel line replaced at that time, it is likely that the loss of engine power would not have occurred.

On March 6, 2022, about 1015 eastern standard time, a Beech A35, N764B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Waco, Georgia. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that during the short cross-country flight, the engine began to lose power. As he attempted to regain power, he noticed that the fuel pressure indication fell to zero. The engine stopped producing power and he elected to perform an emergency landing to a road. During the approach to land, the airplane collided with power lines over the road before landing. The pilot exited the airplane and when he opened the engine cowling, he discovered a leaking fuel line. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed structural damage to the vertical stabilizers and fuselage. Examination of the fuel pressure indicator revealed the fuel line connecting the indicator to the carburetor ruptured. When fuel was supplied to the line, it was subsequently observed leaking from the rupture in the line. The line was removed for further examination, and during the examination visible signs of minor corrosion were discovered around the rupture. A review of the Beech 35 shop manual showed that all fuel lines should be inspected for condition during 100-hour or annual inspections. The fuel line that ruptured was made of a soft aluminum alloy material. Review of the engine and airframe maintenance logbook records indicated that an annual inspection was completed about 8 months prior to the accident. The airplane had accumulated 22 flight hours since the last annual inspection.