1 fatal · BEECH A36 · 2023-12-10 · Topock, AZ, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR24FA054
Event ID
20231211193502
Type
Accident
Date
2023-12-10
Location
Topock, AZ, USA
Coordinates
34.805385, -114.41578
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
BEECH
Model
A36
Registration
N4171S
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a return to the airport when closer sites were available for a forced landing.