# NTSB ATL88LA057: Beech D35, N3441B, Monroe, GA, December 9, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1987, 15:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Monroe, GA
- Coordinates: 33.790233, -83.710319 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7902&lon=-83.7103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7686
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA057
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7686/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA057

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE BEECH D35 WAS LANDING AT A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP FROM WHICH IT HAD DEPARTED FIFTEEN MINUTES EARLIER. THE FINAL APPROACH WAS TO THE SOUTH, INTO THE SUN. ON SHORT FINAL THE PILOT LOOKED DOWN TO VERIFY THAT THE GEAR WAS DOWN. HE LOOKED OUTSIDE AGAIN JUST IN TIME TO SEE A TRACTOR-TRAILER PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR IMPACTED THE TOP RIGHT FRONT CORNER OF THE TRAILER. THE ACFT ROTATED APPROXIMATELY 70 DEGREES PRIOR TO IMPACT WITH THE GROUND. INVESTIGATION BY THE HIGHWAY PATROL REVEALED THAT VEHICLES TRAVELING IN A WESTERLY DIRECTION ON COUNTY ROAD 457 WERE HIDDEN BY TREES ON THE SIDE OF THE RAOD OPPOSITE THE AIRSTRIP. THE TRUCK DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3441B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3441B-1992-03-26), registration cancelled 1992-03-26, S/N D3679 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH D35
- Registry model: [Beech D35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-d35) (registry code 1151510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D3679
- Airframe hours: 5500
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David G. Culpepper
- Registered owner: David G Culpeper
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 2, 1987, 80 hours before
- Airport: Aerie, runway 15, 2,000 × 300 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 20,605 total, 161 in this make and model, 17,015 as pilot in command, 155 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,300 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FTY, 43 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 19871209070029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871209070029A), Dec 9, 1987: Beech D35, Monroe, GA, Substantial damage. Landing gear struck a tractor trailer on a road near runway. Pilot intention diverted. Truck hidden by trees.

## Other investigations on N3441B (1)

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.

- [NTSB UNK64X2369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK64X2369), Jun 19, 1964: Beechcraft 35 (N3441B), Rhinderlander, WI, substantial damage

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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