Pilot Switched The Fuel Selector Valve From The Left To The Right Wing Tank And A Few Seconds Later The Engine Lost Power

Location: Willcox, AZ Accident Number: WPR25LA052
Date & Time: December 1, 2024, 13:00 Local Registration: N109V
Aircraft: Beech 35-33 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On December 1, 2024, about 1300 mountain standard time, a Beech 35-33, N109V, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Willcox, Arizona. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal  Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that after practicing steep turns and stalls, he descended to 7,200 ft mean sea level to practice GPS approach procedures at the Cochise County Airport (P33), Willcox, Arizona. During the pre-landing checklist, the pilot switched the fuel selector valve from the left to the right wing tank and a few seconds later the engine lost power. The pilot switched back to the left tank and checked the mixture control position. He turned on the fuel boost pump for 5 seconds and switched fuel tank positions again, however, was unable to restore engine power. The pilot initiated a forced landing as he extended the flaps and retracted the landing gear due to the terrain and vegetation. The airplane landed and slid about 260 ft on desert terrain sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot also reported that the onboard instrumentation indicated that the left wing fuel tank had 12 gallons and the right wing fuel tank had 22 gallons at the time the engine lost power. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov