# NTSB ATL89LA221: Beech B23, N2333L, Hatteras, NC, September 29, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1989, 13:20 local (17:20 UTC)
- Place: Hatteras, NC
- Coordinates: 35.219322, -75.679916 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2193&lon=-75.6799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 16, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8071
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA221
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8071/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA221

## Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED EXPERIENCING ENGINE PROBLEMS WHILE EN ROUTE TO OCRACOKE, NC. HE DESCRIBED A GRADUAL REDUCTION IN ENGINE RPM UNTIL IT STABILIZED AT 1500 RPM. THROUGHOUT THE EMERGENCY, THE PILOT APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT WHICH FURTHER REDUCED THE RPM. THE TEMP/DEW POINT WERE 79/63 DEGREES, RESPECTIVELY. THE CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE FOR THE FORMATION OF INDUCTION ICING. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DAMAGED WHEN IT HIT BUSHES DURING A FORCED LANDING. SUBSEQUENT WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO INDICATE ANY TYPE OF SYSTEM PROBLEM. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE DRAINED WATER FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM DURING THE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2333L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2333L-2015-05-04), registration cancelled 2015-05-04, S/N M-164, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH B23
- Registry model: [Beech 23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-23) (registry code 1151202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M-164
- Airframe hours: 1711
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dare East Air
- Registered owner: Dare East Air
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 16, 1989, 3 hours before
- Departed: M0I, MANTEO, NC
- Destination: W9S, OCRACOKE, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 700 total, 250 in this make and model, 620 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EWN

## 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 19890929037239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890929037239A), Sep 29, 1989: Beech 23BEECH, Hatteras, NC, Substantial damage. Engine ran rough and reduced power then quit on final for airport. No defects found, possible carb ice or water.

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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