Beech B36TC N70SL accident near Burnet, Texas

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due an overly rich mixture from an improper adjustment of the fuel pump, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with a car and terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated the preflight, engine start, engine runup, and takeoff roll were normal. While climbing through 200 to 300 ft above ground level (agl) after takeoff, the engine began to surge and lose power. Black smoke was seen coming from the airplane’s exhaust during the takeoff and climb. The airplane was unable to climb, and the pilot was unsuccessful using emergency procedures at regaining engine power. The pilot said that the only area suitable for landing that he saw was a road. During the landing, the airplane’s right wing struck a car, and the airplane exploded into flames. The airplane came to rest in a field and was destroyed by impact forces and postcrash fire.

Postaccident examination and testing of the engine-driven fuel pump revealed that it was adjusted for a fuel flow that exceeded the maximum limitation for the pump. Symptoms of a rich mixture to include black exhaust smoke and sluggish engine operation, were witnessed during the airplane’s takeoff and climb.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA065 for the full record.