NYC93LA120

The airplane was cruising at 4500 feet, when the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot unsuccessfully tried to restart the engine several times. ATC tried to vector the pilot to an airport, but it was beyond the gliding range of the airplane. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field, and the airplane struck a fence during the landing. The examination of the engine did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction.

On Saturday, June 19, 1993, at 1519 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE-35, N8664Q, registered to and piloted by David H. Michaels, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in a field, near Palmer, Massachusetts. The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91.

The pilot said they were cruising at 4500 feet, when the "engine ceased producing power...all other systems [were] ok. [There was] no warning of failure...[I] completed [the] in- flight failure checklist, including switch [of] tanks, aux fuel pump, check mags, fuses, alt. air, etc....[I] was immediately given vectors [by ATC] to Westover AFB...but determined [I] was unable to make [it]....[I] selected an open field off my left wing....I...lined up on the field, then descended into [the] field...The...right wing contacted a fence post, shearing [off] the wing."

In a telephone interview with the pilot on June 22, 1993, he stated, "While cruising...the engine just stopped. There was no sputtering or coughing. The propeller seemed to be windmilling. I tried to restart several times, but the altitude was getting low, so I concentrated on the forced landing. I had no problems before this with the engine."

Mr. Robert A. Hennigan, Airworthiness Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration, conducted an examination of wreckage at the accident site and later at Four Star Aviation, Lawrence, Massachusetts. In his report, Mr. Hennigan stated:

"The following items were inspected: Both magnetos were found securely mounted and properly timed...magnetos were...operating normally....wiring from magneto to ignition switch checked good with proper continuity....There were no visible defects with the spark plug ignition wires. Fuel system: Sufficient fuel was on board the aircraft with approximately 12 gallons in the right wing tank and 20 gallons in the left wing tank...No contamination was found in the fuel. The electric fuel pump was...operating normally....There were no restrictions...in the fuel system....The fuel injection valve screen was free of contaminants. The fuel injector lines were...properly secured. Fuel was present in the fuel flow divider....The engine driven fuel pump was properly secured....The pump was dissembled and no discrepancies found....The fuel tank selector was...operating normally....Proper rotation...was found at the crankshaft, pistons and valve train."

Additionally, Mr. Hennigan examined the airplane and engine maintenance log books and found no discrepancies.