Beech 35-A33 Debonair, N5ML: Accident occurred July 23, 2021 and Incident occurred August 16, 2017

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident. 

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Dallas, Texas

https://registry.faa.gov/N5ML

Location: Mineral Wells, Texas

Accident Number: CEN21LA473

Date and Time: July 23, 2021, 07:45 Local 

Registration: N5ML

Aircraft: Beech 35-A33 

Injuries: 2 Minor

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 23, 2021, at 0745 central daylight time, a Beech 35-A33 airplane, N5ML, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near the Mineral Wells Regional Airport (MWL), Mineral Wells, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot and passenger reported that the purpose of the flight was to fill the airplane with fuel for an upcoming flight. After a normal takeoff the airplane was enroute to their destination when they encountered low clouds. The pilot diverted to MWL, and he avoided the clouds as he descended toward the airport. He entered a downwind for runway 13 and reduced the engine to a low power setting. After turning final the pilot attempted to add power, however, the engine did not respond. He manipulated the throttle a second time, but to no avail. The pilot initiated a landing to a nearby field. The airplane touched down hard when the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest. Consequently, the airplane’s right wing sustained substantial damage.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Beech 

Registration: N5ML

Model/Series: 35-A33 

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built:

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KMWL,974 ft msl 

Observation Time: 07:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles 

Temperature/Dew Point: 23°C /21°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 7 knots / , 140°

Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 1900 ft AGL 

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Weatherford, TX (XS53)

Destination: Mineral Wells, TX

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 2 Minor 

Latitude, Longitude: 32.7894,98.0691

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Fort Worth, Texas

August 17, 2017: Aircraft landed short of the runway.

Date: 17-AUG-17
Time: 03:06:00Z
Regis#: N5ML
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: BE33
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: UNKNOWN
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: FORT WORTH
State: TEXAS