Beech S35 N6861Q accident near Brownwood, Texas

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from a foreign material in the fuel system blocking the fuel flow to the engine.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was making a straight-in approach to land when the engine lost power. He attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. The airplane subsequently impacted trees, cacti, and terrain during the attempted off-airport landing, and a postimpact fire ensued, which destroyed the fuselage. The pilot sustained second- and third-degree burns, but he was able to extricate himself from the wreckage. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that foreign material was present on the fuel pump vanes, the fuel manifold, and the fuel metering unit inlet screen; this material would have blocked the fuel flow to the engine. No other anomalies were noted that would have prevented normal operation of the engine. The foreign material closely matched polyester, but the source of the material could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA002 for the full record.