Pilot Reported The Airplane Had A Loss Of Engine Power And He Performed A Forced Landing

Location: Terrell, TX Accident Number: CEN20LA420
Date & Time: September 24, 2020, 13:50 Local Registration: N3958A
Aircraft: BEECH V35 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:

On September 24, 2020, about 1350 central daylight time, a Beech V35 B airplane, N3958A, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Terrell, Texas. The private pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to initial information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight departed from the Propwash Airport, near Justin, Texas, about 1320, and was destined for the Van Zandt County Regional Airport, near Wills Point, Texas. The pilot reported the airplane had a loss of engine power and he performed a forced landing. The airplane impacted trees and terrain during the forced landing where the airplane sustained substantial damage.

An FAA inspector examined and documented the airplane at the accident site. The pilot reported to the inspector that the airplane had 35 to 45 gallons in each wing before departure. The pilot cycled the throttle, placed the mixture in its forward position, and switched from the left fuel tank to the right tank. However, the engine did not respond to those actions. The pilot said that the fuel gauges indicated half tanks for both wings. The inspector found that the right wing contained fuel and the left wing was compromised from impact damage.

The pilot reported that he had recently purchased the airplane and its last annual inspection was completed in September 2020. He stated that he had about 1,500 hours of total flight time.

The airplane wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov