Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power for a reason that could not be determined.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff from his private airstrip, the airplane’s engine lost partial power. He activated the electric fuel pump at which time the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to return to his private airport but landed short with the landing gear retracted in a cotton field. The airplane's forward fuselage was substantially damaged. Examination of the airplane after the accident did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would explain the loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 16, 2020, about 1300 central daylight time, a Beech A36 airplane, N3256V, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near San Benito, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff from the Kornegay Private Airport (53XS), the engine lost partial power. He activated the electric fuel pump at which time the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to return to his private airport but landed short with the landing gear retracted in a cotton field. The airplane's forward fuselage was substantially damaged. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine was conducted following removal of the airplane from the accident site with no preimpact anomalies found with regard to the airframe, engine, or associated systems.