N655DBeech C35 · 1951

The pilot reported the engine start, run-up, and takeoff were routine. About 35 minutes after takeoff, the pilot changed from the right to the left fuel tank. About 2 hours after taking off while in cruise flight at 6,500 ft mean sea level, the engine sputtered accompanied by a reduction in the fuel flow. The pilot activated the fuel boost pump with no effect on the fuel flow. He subsequently changed from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank again with no effect and then returned the fuel selector to the left fuel tank. The propeller continued to windmill and further trouble shooting did not restore engine power so the pilot executed a forced landing to an open field populated with vegetation and sparse brush. The airframe sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

ADS-B data revealed the airplane departed at 1647:43 and ultimately climbed to a cruise altitude of about 6,500 ft msl. About 1853, the airplane entered a gradual descent which continued until the final data point consistent with a loss of engine power about that time. The final ADS-B data point was recorded at 1857:31. The altitude associated with that final data point was about 2,475 ft msl, which was about 50 ft above ground level.

A postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of a fuel leak or vegetation blight. The fuel caps were securely installed, and the fuel system appeared to be intact. About 8 gallons of fuel were recovered from the left tank and 3 gallons were recovered from the auxiliary tank. The right fuel tank was empty. The FAA inspector observed the fuel selector set to the left fuel tank when on scene after the accident.

Postrecovery airframe fuel system and engine examinations did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a loss of engine power.

According to the Pilot Operating Handbook, the engine was expected to burn about 9.7 gallons per hour (gph) and 11.2 gph at 65% and 75% engine power, respectively. The unusable fuel was 3 gallons in each main tank. The pilot stated that about 33 gallons of fuel were onboard at takeoff.

Since about 11 gallons remained in the airplane at the time of the accident, the engine had burned about 22 gallons which was consistent with the flight time of 2 hours and 5 minutes from takeoff until the loss of engine power.

In light of the lack of anomalies with respect to the engine and the fuel system, it is likely the pilot inadvertently ran the right fuel tank dry and was not able to reestablish fuel flow to the engine from the left fuel tank.