NTSB Factual Report

On July 23, 2008, at 1008 mountain daylight time, a Beech 35-C33A, N7965M, registered to and piloted by the pilot, was substantially damaged when the engine lost power and the airplane landed short of runway 29 at Vance Brand Municipal Airport (LMO), Longmont, Colorado. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed and activated. There were no injuries to the pilot and his passenger. The cross-country flight originated from Wendover (ENV), Nevada, approximately 0750.

According to the pilot's accident report, he descended from 17,000 feet under partial power and entered a 45-degree entry for a left downwind to runway 29. The landing gear was extended and he completed the pre-landing checklist. On final approach with 20-degrees of flaps extended, the pilot noticed he was slightly below the glidepath and added power to compensate. The engine did not respond. He was forced to land in a barley field. The nose and main landing gear attach points were damaged, the firewall was buckled, and both wings were dented and punctured.

The airplane and engine were later examined at the facilities of Beegles Aircraft Service, Greeley, Colorado. Power train continuity was noted. There was thumb compression on all cylinders. The throttle arm was found fractured in two places. It was sent to NTSB's metallurgical laboratory for analysis. According to their report, "Fracture features generally showed tear ridges and dimples intermixed with casting voids consistent with overstress fracture. No evidence of preexisting cracking such as fatigue features was observed."

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons undetermined. Contributing to the accident was the unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing.