The Pilot Applied Engine Power To Maintain Altitude And Then The Engine Stopped

Location: Cleburne, TX Accident Number: CEN20LA211
Date & Time: 06/04/2020, 0955 CDT Registration: N7941L
Aircraft: Beech 23 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On June 4, 2020, about 0955 central daylight time, a Beech A23A airplane, N7941L, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Cleburne, Texas. The private pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to initial information the pilot departed for a local flight about 0925. He flew southwest along a local highway for "several" minutes when he noticed that the oil pressure was trending toward the bottom of the green arc. However, the oil temperature was normal in the green arc. The pilot turned the airplane back toward the departure airport and subsequently felt the engine "shaking." He reduced engine power to remove the chance of the engine shaking violently. The pilot applied engine power to maintain altitude and then the engine stopped. He did not recall if the propeller was wind milling; however, he did state that the engine was "silent."

During a radio call on the airport's common traffic advisory frequency, the pilot advised of his situation. He evaluated his landing options, set best glide airspeed, and approached a gravel road, with a downhill slap, for a forced landing. The airplane touched down smoothly, and it stayed on the gravel road until it reached a point where the road turned slightly. The airplane did not make the turn on the gravel and it continued straight through some sagebrush until it impacted bushes and then a tree where the airplane sustained the substantial damage to the right wing.

The airplane was recovered and its engine was retained for detailed examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov