At 1937 Pacific time, the airplane experienced a loss of power and encountered rough terrain during a forced landing on the desert floor. The airplane sustained structural damage to the firewall and fuselage areas. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. Prior to departure, the pilot refueled the airplane; the left fuel tank was “full” and the right fuel tank was full “to the tabs.” When the engine began to lose power, he reported his situation to the LAS Tracon, stating there was a smell of fuel in the cockpit. The airplane was losing altitude faster than the pilot expected. The pilot said it was a dark night, and he chose an area to make a gear-up landing, hoping for the best.
November 8, 2007, Jean, Nev., Beech A36 Bonanza
At 1937 Pacific time, the airplane experienced a loss of power and encountered rough terrain during a forced landing on the desert floor. The airplane sustained structural damage to the firewall and fuselage areas. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed.
Key Takeaways:
- A private pilot and one passenger were uninjured after a forced, gear-up landing in the desert following a loss of engine power at night.
- The airplane sustained structural damage to the firewall and fuselage areas during the landing.
- Prior to the power loss, the pilot reported a smell of fuel in the cockpit as the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude.
- The pilot had refueled the airplane before departure, filling the left tank and filling the right tank "to the tabs."
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