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NTSB Report
March 16, 1989 · Beech H35 · N5403D
Knoxville, TN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Knoxville, TN
Aircraft
Beech H35
Tail Number
N5403D
Operator
W T Christian
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89FA106
IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE PILOT/OWNER AND THE PAX HAD SPENT THE DAY INSTALLING AN AIR-OIL SEPARATOR KIT ON THE AIRPLANE. AFTER THE INSTALLATION BY THE TWO UNCERTIFICATED MECHANICS, THEY DEPARTED THE LOCAL ISLAND AIRPORT SOMETIME AFTER 1500 EDT. AT ABOUT 1605, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO LAND ON THE RIVER SHORT OF THE AIRPORT SURFACE. BOTH OCCUPANTS EXITED THE AIRPLANE AND SWAM TOWARD SHORE. THE PILOT MADE IT TO SHORE BUT HIS PAX WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SO HE SWAM BACK OUT TO HELP. BOTH OCCUPANTS SANK IN THE 48 DEGREE WATER AND THEIR BODIES WERE RECOVERED LATER. AFTER RECOVERY, THE ENGINE WAS DRIED OUT AND A TEST RUN PERFORMED. SOME CONTAMINATION WAS FOUND IN THE PRESSURE CARBURETOR. THE ENGINE HAD A HISTORY OF STOPPING ON THE GROUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE AIRPLANE WITH A KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFECT IN THE ENGINE CARBURETOR/FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM AS EVIDENCED BY THE PAST HISTORY OF ENGINE STOPPAGE DURING GROUND OPERATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S PERFORMANCE OF UNAUTHORIZED MAINTENANCE ON THE AIRCRAFT AND ITS SYSTEM.
Full Narrative
IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE PILOT/OWNER AND THE PAX HAD SPENT THE DAY INSTALLING AN AIR-OIL SEPARATOR KIT ON THE AIRPLANE. AFTER THE INSTALLATION BY THE TWO UNCERTIFICATED MECHANICS, THEY DEPARTED THE LOCAL ISLAND AIRPORT SOMETIME AFTER 1500 EDT. AT ABOUT 1605, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO LAND ON THE RIVER SHORT OF THE AIRPORT SURFACE. BOTH OCCUPANTS EXITED THE AIRPLANE AND SWAM TOWARD SHORE. THE PILOT MADE IT TO SHORE BUT HIS PAX WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SO HE SWAM BACK OUT TO HELP. BOTH OCCUPANTS SANK IN THE 48 DEGREE WATER AND THEIR BODIES WERE RECOVERED LATER. AFTER RECOVERY, THE ENGINE WAS DRIED OUT AND A TEST RUN PERFORMED. SOME CONTAMINATION WAS FOUND IN THE PRESSURE CARBURETOR. THE ENGINE HAD A HISTORY OF STOPPING ON THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech H35
Tail NumberN5403D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorW T Christian
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-G(1) · Reciprocating · 240
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC