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NTSB Report
September 13, 1986 · Beech 35-B33 · N917Q
Thermal, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Thermal, CA
Aircraft
Beech 35-B33
Tail Number
N917Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA348
THE PILOT DEPARTED ON A LOCAL FLIGHT TO PUT 'SOME BREAK IN TIME' ON A NEWLY INSTALLED ENGINE CYLINDER. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE' DEPARTED WITH A LOW FUEL LEVEL BUT WAS ONLY GOING TO BE UP FOR A LITTLE WHILE.' AFTER 40 MINUTES OF FLIGHT TIME, THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES ABOUT ONE HALF MILE SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED 'ONLY RESIDUAL FUEL' REMAINED IN BOTH WING TANKS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT DEPARTED ON A LOCAL FLIGHT TO PUT 'SOME BREAK IN TIME' ON A NEWLY INSTALLED ENGINE CYLINDER. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE' DEPARTED WITH A LOW FUEL LEVEL BUT WAS ONLY GOING TO BE UP FOR A LITTLE WHILE.' AFTER 40 MINUTES OF FLIGHT TIME, THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES ABOUT ONE HALF MILE SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED 'ONLY RESIDUAL FUEL' REMAINED IN BOTH WING TANKS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:07 PDT
Nearest AirportTHERMAL (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech 35-B33
Tail NumberN917Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · I0-470-K · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:15
Weather SourceWFAC