NTSB Factual Report

On August 20, 2004, at approximately 0630 mountain daylight time, a Beech 95-B55, N120F, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Roosevelt Municipal Airport (74V), Roosevelt, Utah. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal cross-country flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the left engine began to run rough shortly after departing runway 07. He noticed a loss in indicated fuel pressure and within a few moments, the left engine lost power and then quit. The pilot said that he adjusted the mixture and made several unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but he was unable to maintain altitude, and was forced to land in a field southwest of the airport.

According to an FAA inspector, the pilot attempted an immediate left turn to return to the airport. The 270-degree left turn resulted in a loss of altitude and improper line-up with runway 25. The pilot completed a 90-degree right turn as the airplane crossed the airport's access road. The airplane continued to descend as it struck several trees and impacted terrain southwest of the airport. The impact separated the nose and main landing gear assemblies from the fuselage. Approximately 3 feet of the outboard section of each wing was crushed upwards and aft. Both engines were separated from the airplane.

According to the inspector, the pilot stated that he visually checked both tanks for fuel before takeoff. During the initial climb, the pilot kept the mixture in the full rich position and did not turn the fuel boost pumps on after the left engine began to run rough. Although the airplane's right wing was compromised, there was visible fuel in the left wing.

The airplane's last annual inspection was performed on March 3, 2004, at a tachometer reading of 416.8 hours. The tachometer reading at the time of the accident was 417.3 hours.

According to the inspector, the pilot's logbook showed approximately 1,268 hours of flight time, of which 326 hours were in a Beech 95-B55, including 7.2 hours since March 18, 2004, that was logged in N120F.

On November 17, 2004, an examination of the left engine revealed that the engine's oil pan and exhaust manifold were crushed upward, the intake manifold was crushed aft and the left magneto was separated from the engine. Due to impact damage, a test-run of the engine could not be accomplished. The propeller spinner was crushed aft and twisted in a counter-clockwise direction. Both propeller blades showed torsional bending and chordwise scratches. Engine continuity was confirmed.

The pilot did not provide a Pilot Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2) for this accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.