# NTSB CHI82FA342: Beech H35, N4676D, Beaver Dam, WI, September 16, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1982, 15:44 local (20:44 UTC)
- Place: Beaver Dam, WI
- Coordinates: 43.460483, -88.829696 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4605&lon=-88.8297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 16, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69905
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82FA342
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69905/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82FA342

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, unknown
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - delayed, company/operator management
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - downhill (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AT ABOUT 1530 CDT, THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED MADISON, WI ON A FLIGHT TO THE DODGE COUNTY AIRPORT AT JUNEAU, WI. ACCORDING TO A FIXED BASE OPERATOR AT JUNEAU, THE PILOT HAD MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO FLY THE AIRCRAFT THERE ON THAT DATE FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. AT 1544, THE PLANE CRASHED ON DOWNSLOPING TERRAIN IN AN UNPLANTED CORN FIELD AND WAS DESTROYED. NUMEROUS WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE PLANE, BUT DID NOT HEAR THE ENGINE RUNNING. ONE WITNESS SAW THE AIRCRAFT CIRCLE FROM A NORTHERLY HEADING AND TURN TOWARD THE SOUTHWEST BEFORE IT CRASHED. ACCORDING TO A SHERIFF'S REPORT, THE WIND WAS FROM THE SOUTHWEST. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE WAS MADE, BUT NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE CRASH SITE WAS LOCATE ABOUT 6 MI FROM THE DESTINATION AIRPORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4676D (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH H35
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D4872
- Airframe hours: 3242
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-0 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Rudy F. Ploc
- Registered owner: Rudy F. Ploc
- Departed: MSN, MADISON, WI
- Destination: UNU, JUNEAU, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,775 total, 50 in this make and model, 1,600 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 127 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSM, 40 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 19820916046929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820916046929A), Sep 16, 1982: Beech H35, Beaver Dam, WI, Destroyed. Airplane crashed in an open field and disentegrated on impact. No mechanical problems. Possible pilot incapacitation

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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