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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 23, 2004 · Beech A36 · N8240U

Farmington, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 23, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Farmington, NM
Aircraft
Beech A36
Tail Number
N8240U
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04LA040

The private pilot departed Farmington at approximately 1500 for a 3-hour cross-country flight to Canyonlands, Utah, Page, Arizona, and then back to Farmington. The pilot returned to Farmington at approximately 1800. On his return, the pilot requested from the tower clearance to do a few take-offs and landings. He completed nine take-off and landings. Each landing was a full stop, taxi-back, and subsequent take-off (as required by a local training policy). At approximately 1910, the pilot contacted the tower and asked for clearance to take-off and fly the pattern for a tenth time. At approximately 1915, the pilot reported that he had lost engine power. Witnesses stated that the airplane was flying at a low altitude when its wings began to dip side to side. The airplane then pitched nose-up, rolled over, dove, and struck the roof of a police station. An examination of the airplane revealed approximately 4 gallons of fuel in the right wing tank, fuel in the fuel strainer, and no fuel in the lines. No other anomalies were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in fuel starvation/exhaustion and a stall spin.

Full Narrative

On January 22, 2004, at approximately 1916 mountain standard time, a Beech A36, N8240U, was substantially damaged when it impacted a building following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing during a visual approach to Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN), Farmington, New Mexico. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The flight originated at approximately 1910. According to a representative from San Juan Pilot Training, Inc., the pilot departed Farmington at approximately 1500 for a 3-hour cross-country flight to Canyonlands, Utah, Page, Arizona, and then back to Farmington. The pilot returned to the Farmington area at approximately 1800. Upon his return, the private pilot contacted the tower and requested clearance to do take-offs and landings. He completed nine take-off, and landings on runway 25. Each landing was a full stop, taxi-back, and subsequent take-off (as required by a local training policy). At approximately 1910, the pilot contacted the tower and asked for clearance to take-off and fly the pattern for a tenth time. At approximately 1915, the pilot reported that he had lost engine power. According to witnesses, the airplane was flying at a low altitude when its wings began to dip side to side. The airplane then pitched nose-up, rolled over, dove, and struck the roof of a police station. The impact crushed the nose section aft, and the leading edge of both wings. An examination of the airplane at the scene showed that approximately 3 to 5 gallons of fuel had leaked from the airplane's tanks. The fuel selector lever was in the "left tank" position. A subsequent examination showed approximately 4 gallons of fuel in the right wing tank, fuel in the fuel strainer and filter, and no fuel in the lines. Flight control continuity was confirmed and an examination of the engine and other airplane systems showed no anomalies. According to the aircraft manufacturer, using a fuel calculation of 15 gallons per hour, and a total flight duration of 4.4 hours, the total calculated fuel used would be 66 gallons. Total useable fuel for the airplane is 74 gallons.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:16 MST
Nearest AirportFour Corners Regional (1nm S)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech A36
Tail NumberN8240U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550B · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind340° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 23 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time02:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data