The National Transportation Safety Board not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Des Moines, Washington
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
ABCS Association
Location: Port Hadlock, Washington
Accident Number: WPR19LA064
Date and Time: January 13, 2019, 13:58 Local
Registration: N5093C
Aircraft: Beech 35
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis
Shortly after takeoff and during the initial climb, the cabin door opened, and the pilot elected to return to the airport. Upon entering the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot noticed that the left fuel gauge indicated full; and the right fuel gauge indicated empty. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power and the pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage.
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right main fuel tank and right tip tank had been breached during the accident sequence, while the left main wing tank and left tip tank were minimally damaged. Recovery personnel reported that about 12 gallons of aviation fuel was drained from the left main fuel tank and the left tip tank. The fuel selector handle was in the right tank position. When operated by hand, the handle moved freely through 360° rotation by hand, with each detent identified by feel. Examination revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation. It is likely that the loss of engine power was the result of fuel starvation when the pilot failed to switch from the empty right main tank to the left main tank.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and the pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel.
Findings
Personnel issues Use of equip/system - Pilot
Aircraft Fuel - Fluid management
Environmental issues Tree(s) - Effect on operation
Factual Information
On January 13, 2019, about 1400 Pacific standard time, a Beech B35 airplane, N5093C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Port Hadlock, Washington. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as
a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff from Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), the single-entry door on the right side of the airplane opened. The pilot continued the climb to pattern altitude, then turned onto a left downwind to return to 0S9. The pilot further stated that while on downwind, he noticed that the left fuel gauge showed full, but “…there was no needle movement when I thought it should be moving.” The pilot further stated that the right fuel gauge showed empty when it should have shown full (20 gallons) and that the engine lost total power. The pilot maneuvered for a small grass area that he observed through an opening in the trees. The right wing impacted a large tree trunk, which nearly separated the wing from the airplane. There was no postcrash fire.
First responders who arrived shortly after the accident reported that there was no smell of fuel present at the accident site and that the pilot indicated that “…the airplane seemed to not have fuel.” The pilot reported that he departed with about 45 gallons of fuel onboard.
Examination of the airplane revealed that the right main fuel tank and right tip tank were breached during the accident sequence, while the left main fuel tank and left tip tank remained intact. The fuel selector was in the right tank position. Recovery personnel drained about 12 gallons of fuel from the left main and left tip tank. When the fuel selector handle was rotated by hand, it rotated freely through 360° without binding or interruption; all detents were identified by feel. The investigation revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation.
History of Flight
Enroute-climb to cruise Loss of engine power (total) (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Commercial; Flight instructor
Age: 87, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): Airplane single-engine
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: December 21, 2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: April 19, 2018
Flight Time: 2712 hours (Total, all aircraft), 1190 hours (Total, this make and model)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N5093C
Model/Series: 35 B35
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: D-2355
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: August 30, 2018 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2850 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 7 Hrs
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 5488 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-470K
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 225 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: 0S9,110 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1.65 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 13:55 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 297°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 230°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.13 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 4°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Port Townsend, WA (0S9)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Everett, WA (PAE)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 13:50 Local
Type of Airspace: Class E
Airport Information
Airport: Jefferson County International Airport 0S9
Runway Surface Type:
Airport Elevation: 108 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used:
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 48.042221,-122.77471(est)
======
Location: Port Hadlock, WA
Accident Number: WPR19LA064
Date & Time: 01/13/2019, 1400 PST
Registration: N5093C
Aircraft: Beech 35
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On January 13, 2019, about 1400 Pacific standard time, a Beech B35 airplane, N5093C collided with trees following a loss of engine power near Port Hadlock, Washington, . The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to ABCS Association and operated by the pilot under the provision of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), Port Townsend, Washington about 1350 and was destined for Paine Field (PAE), Everett, Washington.
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the cockpit door opened, and that while turning onto left downwind to return to 0S9, the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently initiated an off-airport forced landing. The airplane struck a stand of trees and came to rest behind a church.
The airplane was recovered and secured for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N5093C
Model/Series: 35 B35
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: 0S9, 110 ft msl
Observation Time: 1355 PST
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Port Townsend, WA (0S9)
Destination: Everett, WA (PAE)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 48.042222, -122.774722 (est)
One male is being treated for minor injuries after a plane he was in crashed just before 2 p.m. Jan. 13 in Port Hadlock-Irondale.
Public Information Officer for East Jefferson Fire and Rescue Bill Beezley said the pilot of a Beechcraft B35 Bonanza was being checked for minor injuries after he crashed at 711 Irondale Road near Irondale Church.
The pilot was the sole occupant of the plane at the time of the crash.
Witness Randy Shepherd said the plane was traveling southwest over the area before it struck one tree causing it to turn northeast and crash into a second tree where it came to rest.
Port Townsend police officer Nathan Holmes said they were waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration to arrive on scene before more information would be given regarding the crash.
Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.ptleader.com
PORT HADLOCK — A pilot escaped a plane crash near Port Hadlock with minor injuries after his engine died shortly after takeoff Sunday afternoon.
The 87-year-old Snohomish County man, the sole occupant, was transported to Jefferson Healthcare hospital with a minor injury to his hand, according to East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesperson Bill Beezley.
The crash was first reported at 1:58 p.m. Sunday near the Irondale Church at 681 Irondale Road.
The pilot, who Beezley did not identify, told responders that shortly after he took off from the Jefferson County International Airport the door on the plane opened.
He then turned around in an effort to make it back to the airport, but the engine died.
“He did a classic pilot maneuver and aimed for a tree with one wing,” Beezley said.
He said that by hitting a tree with one wing, it slows down the plane and increases the chance of survival.
He said another pilot did the same thing last year.
The Beechcraft B35 Bonanza is registered to ABCS Association out of Mukilteo.
Original article ➤ https://www.peninsuladailynews.com
Accident Number: WPR19LA064
Date & Time: 01/13/2019, 1400 PST
Registration: N5093C
Aircraft: Beech 35
Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On January 13, 2019, about 1400 Pacific standard time, a Beech B35 airplane, N5093C collided with trees following a loss of engine power near Port Hadlock, Washington, . The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to ABCS Association and operated by the pilot under the provision of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), Port Townsend, Washington about 1350 and was destined for Paine Field (PAE), Everett, Washington.
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the cockpit door opened, and that while turning onto left downwind to return to 0S9, the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently initiated an off-airport forced landing. The airplane struck a stand of trees and came to rest behind a church.
The airplane was recovered and secured for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N5093C
Model/Series: 35 B35
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: 0S9, 110 ft msl
Observation Time: 1355 PST
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 4°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 230°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Port Townsend, WA (0S9)
Destination: Everett, WA (PAE)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 48.042222, -122.774722 (est)
One male is being treated for minor injuries after a plane he was in crashed just before 2 p.m. Jan. 13 in Port Hadlock-Irondale.
Public Information Officer for East Jefferson Fire and Rescue Bill Beezley said the pilot of a Beechcraft B35 Bonanza was being checked for minor injuries after he crashed at 711 Irondale Road near Irondale Church.
The pilot was the sole occupant of the plane at the time of the crash.
Witness Randy Shepherd said the plane was traveling southwest over the area before it struck one tree causing it to turn northeast and crash into a second tree where it came to rest.
Port Townsend police officer Nathan Holmes said they were waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration to arrive on scene before more information would be given regarding the crash.
Original article can be found here ➤ https://www.ptleader.com
The 87-year-old Snohomish County man, the sole occupant, was transported to Jefferson Healthcare hospital with a minor injury to his hand, according to East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesperson Bill Beezley.
The crash was first reported at 1:58 p.m. Sunday near the Irondale Church at 681 Irondale Road.
The pilot, who Beezley did not identify, told responders that shortly after he took off from the Jefferson County International Airport the door on the plane opened.
He then turned around in an effort to make it back to the airport, but the engine died.
“He did a classic pilot maneuver and aimed for a tree with one wing,” Beezley said.
He said that by hitting a tree with one wing, it slows down the plane and increases the chance of survival.
He said another pilot did the same thing last year.
The Beechcraft B35 Bonanza is registered to ABCS Association out of Mukilteo.
Original article ➤ https://www.peninsuladailynews.com
It sounds more to me like a "classic" stall-spin maneuver. I was taught if a door comes open in flight, just fly the plane and make a normal approach to land. I knew of a fatal accident in a Bonanza where the same exact thing happened and the pilot banked hard back to the airport, stalled, spun into the woods and burned. Didn't have to end that way. Glad this pilot survived.
ReplyDeleteHitting a tree with one wing - that's a new one on me. Wow.
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ReplyDeleteAnother classic maneuver is a thorough preflight.
Bonanzas and Barons ... If a door is going to open it usually happens right as you rotate.
ReplyDeleteMaybe find the 2 biggest trees that you can and fly between them.....
ReplyDeleteI like the two-tree standard arrival procedure better myself too!
ReplyDeleteI've had the door open during takeoff in a Bonanza....really distracting and noisy but not unmanageable. There is a whole emergency procedure associated with it, mainly just ignore it best you can, and land the airplane. And yes, a careful pre-takeoff will spot this.
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