# NTSB ATL87FA101: Beech A36, N6170U, Dalton, GA, March 30, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 30, 1987, 09:36 local (14:36 UTC)
- Place: Dalton, GA
- Coordinates: 34.759723, -84.969398 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7597&lon=-84.9694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7285
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87FA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7285/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87FA101

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - precautionary landing - attempted, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ON T/O AT 1ST POWER CHANGE PIC NOTED LOSS OF PERFORMANCE. HE TURNED LEFT TO DOWNWIND LEG FOR LANDING. PIC AND GROUND WITNESSES SAID ENG QUIT AND ACFT CRASHED INTO TREES AND GROUND. POST CRASH FIRE DESTROYED ACFT. PIC RPTED TAKING FUEL SAMPLE BEFORE T/O WITH NO WATER CONTAMINATION NOTED. ACFT WAS FUELED TWICE AT ARPT VISITED AND FLEW AFTER 1ST FUELING. AFTER 2ND FUELING ACFT SAT UNCOVERED DURING SEVERAL HOURS OF HARD RAIN. ACFT LOG SAID FUEL CAP SEALS REPLACED 5 MONTHS PRIOR. ANALYSIS OF FUEL FROM ARPT SHOWED NO WATER IN FUEL. DROPLETS OF WATER FOUND IN FUEL TRUCK FILTER. ENG EXAMINATION REVEALED WATER DAMAGE TO PISTONS, CYLINDERS AND SPARK PLUGS. THE PLTS FLT TIME WAS NOT REPORTED OR AVAILABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6170U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6170U-2013-07-08), registration cancelled 2013-07-08, S/N E-1964, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A36
- Registry model: [Beech A36](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a36) (registry code 1151604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: E1964
- Airframe hours: 927
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-B8 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joe A. Jackson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 30, 1986
- Departed: DNN
- Destination: GPT, GULFPORT, MS
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: DNN, Dalton Muni Airport, runway 14, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 400 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DNN, 5 nm away

## 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 19870330007839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870330007839A), Mar 30, 1987: Beech A36, Dalton, GA, Destroyed. Engine lost power and quit after liftoff. Struck trees after 180 degree turn. Water found in aircraft fuel tank.

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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