Bonanza 36
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 9600; Flight Crew Type 300
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
I flew to 5A6 to have [electronic components] installed after repairs. I had the two main tanks topped off (74 usable). The next day; I left 5A6 to MBO to pick up passenger for flight to HOT. After departing MBO; I received flight following with Memphis Center. I kept flight following until HOT in sight and then I cancelled. I contacted HOT Unicom and was advised that the airport was closed until later that evening. This was the first notice I had received that the airport was going to be closed. I had checked NOTAM's application and there was no indication that the airport would be closed. Memphis Center didn't advise me that the airport was closed. I admit that I did not call FSS to ask for NOTAM's before leaving MBO. I asked as to why the airport was closed and was advised that a balloon was on the field. I couldn't understand why the airport would be closed with just a balloon being on the field. I then asked if there was any way to open one runway as I was low on fuel. I was then advised that I could land on Runway 5 and the FAA would be there to talk to me. I entered a left downwind for Runway 5 and then advised that Runway 23 was open. Wind was 220 KTS therefore I landed on Runway 23. I then was ramped checked by the FAA. I learned that a festival was going on that included flying of balloons. There were no balloons inflated the entire time I was at the airport. Another aircraft landed while I was being ramp checked due to the airport being opened. Another aircraft called in before I landed and after hearing my conversations with Unicom it disappeared. I noticed that the fuel gauges were not working after I departed 5A6 en route to MBO. They indicated full. They still indicated full when I landed at HOT. They were looked at the following week and it was determined that fuel gauge circuits were not working. They have been ordered and will be replaced. Once I noticed that the gauges were not working; I used my watch. I had to back figure the flight from departure airport to 5A6 to MBO and to HOT including three takeoffs and climbs at 33 gallons an hour. My plane has a turbo equalizer engine. The closest airport from HOT was M89 which would have been about 20 minutes over the Ouachita Mountains. Inspectors looked into tanks and there was no fuel visible during ramp check. If there were balloons in the air or taking off I could see my landing as an issue. With at least two other airplanes attempting to land and one actually landing after I landed; no violation should be considered.
BE36 pilot reports checking NOTAM's for HOT online prior to departure and finding nothing to depart. At some point during the flight the fuel gauges are determined to be inoperative and calculations indicate that fuel will be tight. Upon contacting HOT Unicom the reporter is advised that the airport is closed for a balloon festival. When the low fuel situation is announced a runway is made available but the FAA is waiting at the ramp.