FTW02LA183

During cruise flight, there was a loss of engine power. The pilot selected a different fuel tank and turned on the auxiliary fuel pump. The engine restarted and ran for approximately 2 minutes before there was a total loss of engine power. The pilot diverted the flight toward the nearest airport. The airplane landed short of the airport in a rough and uneven field. Fuel samples, from the main fuel tanks, were blue in color, and no debris was noted in the fuel. There was physical evidence of fuel on the vegetation along the energy path and in the vicinity of the main wreckage. Post-accident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded operation of the engine prior to the accident.

On June 17, 2002, approximately 0910 central daylight time, a Beech V35A single-engine airplane, N800MD, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Leslie, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to the Southwest Investment Company, Wilmington, Delaware, and was being operated by a private individual under Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The instrument rated private pilot was seriously injured and his passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight for which an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed and activated. The personal flight departed from Mountain Home, Arkansas, approximately 0840, with Little Rock, Arkansas, as its intended destination.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 3,850-hour pilot reported that the engine lost power approximately 20 minutes after reaching his cruise altitude. The pilot added that, following the loss of power, he selected a different fuel tank and activated the auxiliary fuel pump. The engine restarted and ran for approximately 2 minutes before there was a total loss of engine power. The pilot diverted the flight for a forced landing at the Searcy County Airport, near Marshall, Arkansas; however, the airplane landed short of the airport. During the landing roll, in a rough and uneven terrain, the airplane came to rest nose low.

Local authorities and the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, found the airplane in the field. The initial ground scar was approximately 2.5 feet long and 1-foot deep. The wreckage distribution from the ground scar to the main wreckage was approximately 80 feet. The outboard leading edge of both wings was crushed aft. The engine was separated from the firewall. The propeller remained attached to the engine with two of the propeller blades bent aft and the third one was undamaged. The flaps and the landing gear were extended.

The fuel selector was found positioned on the right tank. Fuel samples, from both main fuel tanks, were blue in color, and no debris was noted in the fuel. There was physical evidence of fuel on the vegetation along the energy path and in the vicinity of the main wreckage.

On June 25, 2002, under the supervision of the FAA inspector, the manufacturer's representative examined the Continental IO-520-B(2) engine, serial number 807067R. No anomalies were found that would have precluded operation of the engine prior to the accident.