After A “Small Bump” The Airplane Had A Total Loss Of Engine Power

Location: Baton Rouge, LA Accident Number: CEN22LA391
Date & Time: August 18, 2022, 08:52 Local Registration: N17747
Aircraft: Beech F33A Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 18, 2022, about 0852 central daylight time, a Beech F33A airplane, N17747, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The pilot and the pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the purpose of the intended flight was to remain in the airport traffic pattern and practice landings; however, shortly after takeoff the pilot determined instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and requested an instrument flight rules clearance to return to the airport for a full stop landing. The pilot was given radar vectors to join the instrument landing system (ILS) runway 22R approach. After aligning with the localizer inbound to the runway, the pilot extended the landing gear and selected 15° of wing flaps.

The pilot reported that the airplane was high on the glideslope when it descended below the clouds about 1,500 ft mean sea level (msl). He reduced engine power and decreased airplane pitch to increase the airplane’s descent rate. When the airplane was about 1,100 ft msl he further reduced engine power, but after a “small bump” the airplane had a total loss of engine power that was confirmed by referencing the engine intake manifold pressure gauge. The pilot was unable to restore engine power after he increased the throttle and mixture controls, checked both magnetos, and engaged the starter motor.

The pilot declared an emergency with the air traffic controller and made a forced landing in a grass areashort of runway 22R. The airplane clipped trees and bounced during the forced landing, during which the fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged.

The pilot reported that the airplane departed with 34 gallons of fuel and that the duration of the flight was about 12 minutes. The airplane wreckage was recovered to a secured location where an examination will be completed.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov