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NTSB Report
July 7, 1987 · Beech A60 · N7485D
Santa Rosa, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Santa Rosa, CA
Aircraft
Beech A60
Tail Number
N7485D
Operator
Gerlach John
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX87FA257
THE PIC & HIS WIFE PLANNED A 30 MIN PLEASURE FLT TO LAKE TAHOE. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE PLT FAILED TO VISUALLY INSPECT THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE RT WING TANK. THE TANK WAS FULL. THE TANK'S CAP PROBABLY APPEARED TO BE SECURED WHEN, IN FACT, BECAUSE OF A UNIQUE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC, IT WAS MERELY RESTING ON TOP OF THE FILLER NECK. UPON TAKEOFF ROTATION THE CAP CAME OFF THE FILLER NECK & IT WAS FOLLOWED BY A FUEL SPRAY. THE PLT RESPONDED & STAYED IN A VERY LOW ALTITUDE & CLOSE-IN TRAFFIC PATTERN. HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND IMMEDIATELY. HE LOST CONTROL DURING THE TURN TO FINAL, STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE PAVEMENT PRIOR TO REACHING THE THRESHOLD.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED ON FINAL APPROACH WHICH RESULTED INTHE AIRCRAFT STALLING.
Full Narrative
THE PIC & HIS WIFE PLANNED A 30 MIN PLEASURE FLT TO LAKE TAHOE. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE PLT FAILED TO VISUALLY INSPECT THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE RT WING TANK. THE TANK WAS FULL. THE TANK'S CAP PROBABLY APPEARED TO BE SECURED WHEN, IN FACT, BECAUSE OF A UNIQUE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC, IT WAS MERELY RESTING ON TOP OF THE FILLER NECK. UPON TAKEOFF ROTATION THE CAP CAME OFF THE FILLER NECK & IT WAS FOLLOWED BY A FUEL SPRAY. THE PLT RESPONDED & STAYED IN A VERY LOW ALTITUDE & CLOSE-IN TRAFFIC PATTERN. HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND IMMEDIATELY. HE LOST CONTROL DURING THE TURN TO FINAL, STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE PAVEMENT PRIOR TO REACHING THE THRESHOLD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:28 PDT
Nearest AirportSanta Rosa Air Center (0nm N)
Runway16
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech A60
Tail NumberN7485D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGerlach John
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TI0-541-E1C4 · Reciprocating · 380
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:45
Weather SourceWIT