NYC95LA159

Factual narrative

On July 16, 1995, about 1940 eastern daylight time, a Beech E- 35, N456F, collided with trees during a forced landing at Joe Zerbey Airport, Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot was seriously injured, and the one passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. After departing runway 29, and at an altitude of approximately 100-200 feet, the airplane's engine lost power. The airplane descended, and struck trees approximately 1000 yards from the departure end of runway 29. The FAA examined the wreckage at the accident site, and observed fuel in the fuel tanks. The left side of the engine cowling was damaged and would not open. The right side cowling was opened, and the engine was examined. No oil leaks or obvious discrepancies were observed. There was no damage observed to the propeller blades. Examination of the engine by the FAA revealed, "a blockage in the fuel line" from the firewall to the inlet side of the engine- driven fuel pump. According to the FAA Inspector's statement, "the blockage appeared to be rubber shavings from the inside of the fuel hose, caused by improper installation of the fittings on the end of the hose." The FAA stated that the pilot/owner installed the fittings. The Reading (RDG) 1950 weather was; 3,000 scattered, 15,000 broken, visibility 10 miles, temperature 84 degrees F, dew point 74 degrees F, wind 190 degrees, 8 knots, altimeter 29.08 inches Hg. Several attempts were made to have the pilot submit the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, without any success. A U.S. Mail, Domestic Return Receipt, was returned with the pilot's signature, showing that he received a second form, on November 27, 1995. According to the FAA, at the time of the accident, the pilot had 3,000 total flight hours, and 75 flight hours in this make and model airplane. After departure, at approximately 100-200 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. The airplane descended and struck trees approximately 1000 yards from the departure end of the runway. Examination of the wreckage revealed that there was fuel in the fuel tanks. No oil leaks or obvious discrepancies were observed. An examination of the engine revealed a blockage in the fuel line from the firewall to the inlet side of the engine-driven fuel pump. The blockage appeared to be rubber shavings from the inside of the fuel hose, caused by improper installation of the fittings on the end of the hose. The pilot/owner had installed the fittings. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12