NTSB Factual Report

On November 7, 2002, at 0945 central standard time, a Beech J35 single-engine airplane, N8355D, was destroyed upon impact with terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb from the Low Pass Airport (4OK4), near Newcastle, Oklahoma. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. The airline transport pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for the Clarence E. Page Municipal Airport (F29), near Yukon, Oklahoma.

In an interview with the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the 37,000-hour pilot stated that he had flown the airplane from F29 to 4OK4, located 14.3 nautical miles apart, one to two days prior to the accident date for paint touchup. Prior to departing from F29, he had the fuel topped off. The pilot stated that this was the last time and place that the aircraft had been fueled. On the day of the accident, the pilot reported that he "looked over the airplane, sumped the fuel tanks and ran-up the engine." He stated that he selected the left main tank, as required by the operating handbook. The pilot further stated that everything was "normal" and he proceeded to takeoff. After takeoff, "the engine backfired a couple of times" and he banked the airplane around to the east to return to the airport. The pilot further reported that as the airplane continued around to the north, "the engine quit." He initiated a forced landing to a wheat field, and during the landing, the airplane struck a tree and the ground. Subsequently, the airplane went down a bank and came to rest upright by the edge of a small lake.

Examination of the airplane, by the FAA inspector, revealed that both wings were structurally damaged, the engine was separated from the fuselage, and the fuselage aft of the cabin was fractured. An examination of the fuel system revealed that left main fuel tank and both auxiliary fuel tanks contained fuel; however, the right main fuel tank was empty. The right main fuel tank had not been compromised. Further examination of the fuel system revealed that the fuel selector was selecting the right main tank, and the right sump area was taped.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper positioning of the fuel selector and the lack of suitable terrain for landing.