Beech A35 N764B accident near Waco, Georgia

Probable cause

The failure of the fuel pressure indicator line due to corrosion that was not detected during the last annual inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the cross-country flight, the engine began to lose power and as he attempted to regain power, he noted a decrease in fuel pressure. The engine then lost all power, and the pilot made a forced landing on a road. Postaccident examination of the airplane found that the aluminum fuel line from the fuel indicator to the carburetor had ruptured. Additionally, minor corrosion was present around the ruptured area. Based on this information, it is the likely that this corrosion ultimately resulted in the rupture of the fuel line and loss of engine power. Additionally, the airframe maintenance manual prescribed that all fuel lines should have been inspected during the airplane’s most recent annual inspection, which had occurred 8 months and 22 flight hours prior to the accident. Had the corrosion been detected, and the fuel line replaced at that time, it is likely that the loss of engine power would not have occurred.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA146 for the full record.