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October 8, 2010, Blue Diamond, Nev., Beech A35

The airplane experienced a loss of engine power and collided with terrain at about 1145 Pacific time during a forced landing. The private pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The cross-country flight departed Palm Springs, Calif., about 1000, with a planned destination of North Las Vegas, Nev. Visual conditions prevailed.

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Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane experienced a loss of engine power and collided with terrain during a forced landing, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot and passenger and substantial damage to the aircraft.
  • The incident occurred during a cross-country flight while descending for landing, when the engine lost power and could not be restarted.
  • Investigation revealed the right wing fuel tank was empty of usable fuel, while the left wing tank was almost completely full.
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The airplane experienced a loss of engine power and collided with terrain at about 1145 Pacific time during a forced landing. The private pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The cross-country flight departed Palm Springs, Calif., about 1000, with a planned destination of North Las Vegas, Nev. Visual conditions prevailed.

While descending for landing, the engine lost power and the pilot was unable to restart it. During the forced landing to a paved road, the airplane collided with a dirt embankment. Both wing tanks were intact. The right wing tank was empty of usable fuel. The left wing tank was almost completely filled to its capacity.

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