Engine Suddenly Lost All Power, But The Propeller Remained Windmilling

Location: Morrilton, AR Accident Number: CEN21LA405
Date & Time: September 2, 2021, 10:45 Local Registration: N8419A
Aircraft: Beech A35 Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 2, 2021, about 1045 central daylight time, a Beech A35 airplane, N8419A, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Morrilton, Arkansas. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The passenger reported that he had recently purchased the airplane and that he and the pilot were in the process of flying it to his home airport. The pilot and passenger had flown the airplane before the purchase and for familiarization before the accident flight and the airplane operated normally.

For the accident flight, they departed the Ada Regional Airport (ADH), Ada, Oklahoma, about 0910 with an intended fuel stop at the Searcy Municipal Airport (SRC), Searcy, Arkansas, a distance of about 244 nm. The pilot reported that the airplane’s cruise altitude was 8,500 ft. msl., and they cruised on the left fuel tank for about 1.25 hours. He then switched to the rear fuel tank and fuel pressures were normal.

About 7 or 8 minutes later, the engine suddenly lost all power, but the propeller remained windmilling. He switched the fuel selector from the rear tank to the right tank and attempted to restart the engine to no avail. After descending through a cloud layer, he switched to the left fuel tank and was able to start the engine briefly and then it lost all power again. The pilot attempted to glide the airplane to the Morrilton Municipal Airport, Morrilton, Arkansas, but had insufficient altitude. The airplane impacted trees and became suspended in the trees.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov