Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
On the return leg of a cross-country flight, while on final approach at the planned destination, the pilot stated that he experienced moderate turbulence while attempting to land. The airplane floated about halfway down the runway, so he executed a go-around. The pilot reported that the engine abruptly lost power during the go-around and the airplane only climbed about 100 ft above ground level. He maneuvered to avoid obstacles at the end of the runway and then the engine lost total power. He initiated a forced landing, during which the airplane’s right wing struck a tree. The airplane then impacted a pond and came to rest submerged in the water, with only the empennage and top of the fuselage visible above the waterline. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the reason for the total loss of engine power could not be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 5, 2023, about 1316 central standard time, a Beech F-35 airplane, N123JV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Gladewater, Texas. The pilot and three passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that on the return leg of a cross-country flight, while landing at the planned destination, he switched to the left fuel tank on downwind and noticed that the windsock indicated a strong westerly crosswind. He continued in the traffic pattern and turned left base and then final. While on final approach, the pilot stated that he experienced moderate turbulence and, while attempting to land, the airplane floated about halfway down the runway, so he aborted the landing and executed a go-around. The engine abruptly lost power during the go-around and the airplane only climbed about 100 ft above ground level. He maneuvered to avoid obstacles at the end of the runway, then the engine lost total power, and he initiated a forced landing. During the forced landing, the airplane’s right wing struck a tree and was substantially damaged. The airplane then impacted a pond and came to rest submerged in the water, with only the empennage and top of the fuselage visible above the waterline. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was equipped with a pressure type carburetor. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, “the danger of fuel vaporization icing is practically eliminated,” in this type of carburetor.