Beech 35 — Currie, NV

What happened

The pilot and two passengers departed on a cross-country flight. There was no significant weather, turbulence, or wind on the route of flight. When the airplane did not arrive at the destination, a search was initiated, and the wreckage was located in a remote mountain valley the following day. The airplane impacted level terrain at an elevation about 6,539 ft msl. The airplane impacted nose low in an approximate wings-level attitude on a southwesterly heading. The main wing fuel tanks and the auxiliary fuel tank were all damaged during the impact sequence; however, there was no fuel staining, no evidence of a post-impact fire, and no odor of fuel at the accident site. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed that the landing gear had partially pushed through the top portion of the wings and the flaps were extended at the time of impact, suggesting that the pilot may have been maneuvering for a forced landing and lost control resulting in a hard landing. The reason for the forced landing could not be determined based on the available evidence.

The airplane’s fuel state at the time of departure could not be determined. The distance traveled on the flight route was consistent with consuming the fuel quantity in the main fuel bladders only. One of the family members had flown on the same route before and stated that sometimes they did not stop for fuel and completed the flight non-stop. There was no evidence that the pilot stopped to refuel during the accident flight.

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation.

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