Beech A36 N8038Z accident near Cleveland, Texas

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, the reason for which could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, the airplane’s engine lost power suddenly. He noted that he was not in the process of changing or manipulating any controls when the power loss occurred. The pilot reported that the fuel flow to the engine dropped and the engine lost power, which is supported by engine monitor data. The pilot’s attempts to restore fuel flow and restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot realized that he would not be able to reach the airport he had selected and redirected the airplane toward a nearby highway. During the landing flare on the highway, the right-wing tip struck a road sign. The airplane exited the highway and came to rest nose down in a ditch which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.

During recovery of the airplane, 22 gallons of fuel were recovered from the right-wing fuel tanks, and 26 gallons were recovered from the left-wing fuel tanks. Postaccident examination of the airplane and an engine test run were performed. The engine ran normally and no reason for the interruption of fuel flow was discovered.

Based on the available information, the airplane’s engine lost power due to a fuel flow interruption for reasons that could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA059 for the full record.