# NTSB ANC86LAG05: Beech BE77, N6753X, Hope, AK, October 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: October 29, 1985, 06:45 local (10:45 UTC)
- Place: Hope, AK
- Coordinates: 60.840099, -149.400573 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.8401&lon=-149.4006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4756
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LAG05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4756/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LAG05

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine assembly - undetermined
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT STRUCK TREES AND CRASHED DURING A NIGHT TAKEOFF FROM A GRAVEL STRIP. THE PLT SUSPECTED AN PARTIAL PWR LOSS, BUT INCOMPLETE INFORMATION PRECLUDED A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6753X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6753X-2013-07-09), registration cancelled 2013-07-09, S/N WA-102, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Beech BE77
- Registry model: [Beech 77](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-77) (registry code 1153007) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: WA 102
- Airframe hours: 550
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-62C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arthur J. Vathke
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, July 31, 1985, 30 hours before
- Airport: 5HO, Hope, runway 34, 2,000 × 50 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 560 total, 481 in this make and model, 530 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19851029054409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851029054409A), Oct 29, 1985: Beech 77, Hope, AK, Substantial damage. Failed to visually check fuel quantity in the tanks. Lost power on takeoff, hit a tree and cartwheeled to ground.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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