NTSB Factual Report

On August 1, 2001, at 1131 central daylight time, a Beech A36, N136GR, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing on a bean field near Sugar Grove, Illinois. The pilot reported a total loss of engine power during climb from runway 18 (3,199 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at the Aurora Municipal Airport, Sugar Grove, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 maintenance test flight was not operating on a flight plan. The private pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated from the Aurora Municipal Airport, Aurora, Illinois at 1129.

The pilot/mechanic reported that the airplane had received an annual inspection. A ground test run was performed prior to the maintenance test flight with no fuel leaks noted. He reported that during a postaccident inspection of the airplane, a fuel line loosened but did not come completely off the fitting. He also stated that there was evidence of a small fire in the engine compartment area.

The pilot reported in a written statement, "Ground run up after annual [inspection] ok. No leakage noted. Run up before flight ok. Full power attained at takeoff. [Approximately] 500 [feet] engine quit. Changed fuel tanks [and] turned on fuel pump. Engine restarted [and] quit after [approximately] 5 [seconds]. Put down landing gear and landed straight ahead in a bean field. Beans collapsed nosegear [and] damaged wings [and] firewall. No injuries. Found main fuel line to flow divider had backed off about 3-4 turns. Fuel stain evident."

NTSB Probable Cause

the inadequate maintenance inspection and the unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot mechanic. The fuel system leak was a contributing factor.