# NTSB CHI85LA055: Beech E35, N3301C, Lagrange, IN, November 23, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 23, 1984, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Lagrange, IN
- Coordinates: 41.639263, -85.410171 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6393&lon=-85.4102&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12960
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12960/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA055

## 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
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- Complete gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

PLT WAS LANDING IN GUSTY, CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. ON LATE FINAL, A GUST OF WIND CAUSED THE LEFT WING TO DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP OF AN 80 FT TREE. ACFT TOUCHED DOWN NOSE LOW, COLLAPSING THE LANDING GEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3301C (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH E35
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-3967
- Airframe hours: 3557
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-225-8 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Odell J. Lamarr & W. Moyer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, October 6, 1984
- Departed: FWA, FT. WAYNE, IN
- Airport: IN88, Oliver Lake Airport, runway 31, 2,000 × 85 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 290 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19841123063149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841123063149A), Nov 23, 1984: Beech E35, Lagrange, IN, Substantial damage. Left wing struck tree on final approach. Contacted ground in nose down attitude, landing gear collapsed.

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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