NTSB Factual Report

On September 2, 2007 at 1358 central daylight time N118TT, a Beech Bonanza BE35, single engine airplane, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a loss of engine power while on approach to Hutchinson, County Airport (KBGD) near Borger, Texas. The aircraft came to rest in a nose down vertical position against a private residence carport. The private pilot and his passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot had to have emergency crews cut away a portion of the cockpit area to allow egress. The passenger was able to egress unassisted. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the visual flight rules (VFR) flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 91.

The flight departed Hicks Field, Fort Worth, Texas Field (T67) at approximately 1205 for the VFR flight to KBGD for an overnight stop.

The airplane was recovered to a secure hanger for further examination. On September 4, 2007 a Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted an examination of the airplane and conducted interviews with witnesses and the pilot. On September 14, 2007 an examination of engine was performed by the engine manufacturer under the supervision of the NTSB Investigator-in-Charge. There was evidence of corrosion and rust contamination found in the carburetor inlet fuel screen , and around the fuel needle valve and needle valve seat.

The automated weather reporting facility at Hutchinson County airport (KGBD), approximately 3/4 nautical miles northwest from the accident site, reported an observation at 1351 as winds variable at 4 knots, 10 statue miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 31 degrees Celsius, dew point 11 degrees Celsius, and barometric pressure of 30.18 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power while on approach due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident were a corroded carburetor fuel needle valve, inlet fuel screen and no suitable terrain for the forced landing.