ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 356089
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| Date: | Sunday 30 March 1997 |
| Time: | 16:30 LT |
| Type: |  Beechcraft M35 |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N223C |
| MSN: | D-6287 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1960 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 5588 hours |
| Engine model: | Continental IO-470-C |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Iowa Park, TX -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Initial climb |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | (F14) |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The airplane was on its initial takeoff climb when the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, and during the landing roll, the airplane impacted a ditch. An engine teardown revealed that the number 1, 2, 5, and 6 pistons were cracked, and the number 3 and 4 pistons had separated from their piston pins and were lodged in the top of their respective cylinders. An analysis of the fuel found in the airplane established that it was automotive gasoline (octane grade 87 to 92). As listed in the limitations section of the Pilot's Operating Handbook, the minimum octane grade of fuel approved for use in the airplane was 100. The use of low-grade fuel can lead to detonation, which is defined in FAA Advisory Circular 61-23B as a sudden explosion or shock to a small area of the piston top.
Probable Cause: The pilot's refueling of the airplane with automotive grade fuel which resulted in engine failure due to detonation. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB FTW97LA147
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Mar-2024 18:57 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
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