N533JWBeech J35 · 1958

On August 4, 2018, about 1500 central daylight time, a Beech 35 airplane, N533JW, impacted terrain after a loss of engine power during an approach to the Starke County Airport (OXI), Knox, Indiana. The pilot and three passengers were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged during the accident. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The flight originated from Lacon, Illinois, about 1400.

The pilot reported he leveled off at 5,500 ft for the cross-country flight, and selected the left main fuel tank, which indicated just under ½ tank. About 10 miles from the destination airport, he switched to the fullest fuel tank. He then entered the traffic pattern and reduced the throttle to slow the airplane. While on final approach, to arrest a decent, he advanced the throttle; however, the engine did not respond. The pilot turned the boost pump on to "emergency – high" and the engine still did not respond. The pilot then reduced the throttle to idle and slowly advanced the throttle, again the engine did not respond, so he turned the boost pump off and prepared for the forced landing.

The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found the airplane had impacted a cornfield and terrain just short of the runway. The airplane's engine was bent downward from the firewall and fuselage sustained substantial damage during the accident. The inspector opened the fuel tanks, and noted fuel was available at various levels. The inspector also disconnected the lines near the fuel manifold, and fuel was present in the lines.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility and examined by a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator and a technical representative from the engine manufacturer.

Data from the airplane's engine monitor was downloaded. A review of the data found for August 4th, found 3 files. The first file contained information for a 1.85 hr flight, starting at 1810 UTC. The data block field for fuel used started with 0.0 and ended with 19.1 gallons used. The second file indicated the engine monitor was powered on for just over a minute. The third file, started at 2108 UTC and was for 0.94 hr. The last file corresponded to the accident flight, and the monitor indicated 30.4 gallons used. The pilot reported his fuel at last takeoff was 33 gallons.

During the examination, the propeller shaft was rotated by hand and drivetrain continuity was confirmed through the valve train, and to the accessory section of the engine. Suction and compression were noted on all cylinders. No anomalies were found that would have prevented the engine from producing rated horsepower.