Beech A36 N1WN accident near Frankfort, Kentucky

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and his passengers were at cruise flight when the engine stopped producing power and the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot performed a forced landing to an airport; however, when he realized that the airplane would not reach the runway he landed with the landing gear retracted on airport property, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The engine had accumulated fewer than 30 hours since factory overhaul.

Postaccident examination revealed that the inboard fuel vent lines were obstructed by insect nests; however, the engine ran at idle power settings during the postaccident engine test run. The engine was not tested at higher power settings due to the crankshaft being bent. Although it is possible that the obstructed fuel vents reduced fuel flow to the engine at higher power settings, the postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal evidence of preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA363 for the full record.