During The Forced Landing, The Airplane’S Nose Wheel Landing Gear Impacted A Ditch

Location: Pinckneyville, IL Accident Number: CEN21LA221
Date & Time: May 14, 2021, 15:00 Local Registration: N1875W
Aircraft: Beech A36 Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 14, 2021, at 1500 central daylight time, a Beech A36, N1875W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pinckneyville, Illinois. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, while at an altitude of 8,000 ft mean sea level, he noticed the engine oil pressure began to fluctuate. The pilot contacted air traffic control and requested to divert to the nearest airport, which was the Pinckneyville-Du Quoin Airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to shake and lost total power. Unable to make the airport, the pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane’s nose wheel landing gear impacted a ditch. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Visual examination of the engine revealed a hole in the engine crankcase.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov