Engine Seized And The Pilot Made A Forced Landing To A Rural Road

Location: Blackshear, GA Accident Number: ERA24LA143
Date & Time: March 17, 2024, 08:25 Local Registration: N729CW
Aircraft: Beech A36 Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 17, 2024, at 0825 eastern daylight time, a Beech A36 single-engine airplane, N729CW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Blackshear, Georgia. The private pilot and the two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The airplane departed Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Jacksonville, Florida, at 0753, and was destined for Wood County Airport (1G0), Bowling Green, Ohio, on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The pilot stated that the airplane was climbing through 11,000 ft mean sea level (msl) to 13,000 ft msl, when he noticed a reduction in engine power and inability to climb. Moments later the engine oil pressure began to drop, the engine then began to run rough and make “loud banging noises.” The engine seized and the pilot made a forced landing to a rural road. The airplane impacted a tree resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and engine mounts.

The airframe and engine were retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov