Loss of Control in Flight · NTSB WPR18FA046

BEECH A36 — San Diego, CA

2 fatal High-time pilot
DateDecember 10, 2017
LocationSan Diego, CA
AircraftBEECH A36
Purpose of flightPersonal
ConditionsDay · Visual Meteorological Cond
Phase / occurrenceLanding-landing roll Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Pilot age41
Pilot total time5,500 hrs · High time
Time in type150 hrs
Fatalities2, 2 serious

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB findings

  • Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

What happened

The airline transport pilot and three passengers departed on a cross-country flight in the single-engine airplane. About 2 minutes after takeoff, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power to air traffic control. He conducted a forced landing to a school yard and, during the landing sequence, the airplane impacted a fence and an adjacent residence. The airplane was destroyed by a postcrash fire. Examination of the airframe and the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation; however, the scope of the examination was limited due to fire damage. Additionally, the amount of fuel onboard the airplane at the time of the accident and its distribution could not be determined due to fire damage. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.

View the official NTSB docket →