Bonanza 33
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 3500; Flight Crew Type 125
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown
Aircraft; Human Factors
Prior to departing; I filled each main fuel tank and each auxiliary fuel tank to their potential; for a total of approximately 60 usable gallons of fuel. The flight was under VFR; in VMC with ATC flight following; and was approximately one-hour long.Standard operating procedure; in accordance with the pilot's operating handbook for the Beechcraft Debonair; is to position the fuel selector valve to the left main tank prior to departure and before landing. Once airborne; and when approximately 10gal of fuel have burned from the left main tank; the pilot should switch the fuel selector valve to the auxiliary fuel tanks. There are approximately 19 gal of usable fuel in the auxiliary fuel tanks.During this flight; at the 10 gal mark on the left main tank; I switched my fuel selector valve to the auxiliary fuel tanks; started my timer; and proceeded on-course as planned. After utilizing fuel from the auxiliary tanks for approximately 35 min; I began my descent into the terminal area; executed my descent checklist; and switched my fuel selector valve to the left main tank to prepare for the landing configuration.After entering an extended downwind for runway 17; I performed a level speed change and executed the before landing checklist. At the left 180 position for runway 17; I began my base turn and proceeded on profile. Shortly after my CTAF position report at the 90-degree position; and turning to final; I experienced a sputter with the engine and immediately began emergency procedures to ensure the engine stayed on-line or attempt a restart.At this time; I confirmed the position of the fuel selector valve in the left main tank detent and believed that the fuel selector valve was in the correct fuel position; and then engaged the fuel aux pump to ensure positive fuel pressure to the engine. When the engine failed to restart; I verified my landing configuration and prepared to land in the farmer's field directly north of the Field. Under the given situation; I felt that my soundest alternative was to safely land the aircraft in the grass field as opposed to an attempted landing at [the airport].After a successful landing in the grass field; I made a full stop and exited the aircraft to check for damage. There was no damage to the aircraft or property and no injuries.Upon returning to the aircraft the following day; I checked the fuel position in the left main tank; started the aircraft and the engine ran as designed.
BE33 pilot experienced engine failure on final approach and landed in a field short of the runway. The aircraft was undamaged and the next day the engine started normally.