NTSB Factual Report

On August 18, 2018, about 2125 Pacific daylight time, a Beech 36, N9031S, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power about two nautical miles south of Southwest Washington Regional Airport (KLS), Kelso, Washington. The certificated private pilot and his sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, which was being operated in accordance with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed. The flight departed Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW), Gig Harbor, Washington, about 2100, with Portland International Airport (PDX), Portland, Oregon, as its destination.

In a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that en route to PDX at an altitude of 2,000 ft mean sea level, the engine quit. The pilot stated that he subsequently landed in an open field with the landing gear extended, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing's aft spar. The pilot mentioned that he had filled both fuel tanks prior to departing TIW, and that the engine had just been overhauled.

The airplane was recovered to a secured facility for further examination.