# NTSB DEN82DA042: Beech A36TC, N3738J, Boulder, CO, March 12, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: March 12, 1982, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Boulder, CO
- Location: 40.0244° N, 105.2513° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Boulder, CO, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0244&lon=-105.2513&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70011
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70011/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA042

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - go-around - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING A NORMAL APPROACH, HE ENCOUNTERED A SEVERE DOWNDRAFT IN WINDS GUSTING ABOUT 40 TO 60 KNOTS. HE STARTED TO ABORT THE LANDING BY RAISING THE GEAR AND APPLYING FULL POWER. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE TURNED RIGHT TO AVOID A HILL, BUT WAS UNABLE TO GAIN ENOUGH ALTITUDE TO CLEAR A HOUSE. THEREFORE, HE CHOPPED THE POWER AND LET THE AIRCRAFT DOWN INTO AN OPEN AREA. A WITNESS STATED THAT THE PLANE APPEARED TO ENTER AN AREA OF SINK THAT IS NORMALLY PRESENT ON THE APPROACH END OF THAT RUNWAY IN HIGH WESTERLY WINDS. THE PASSENGER STATED THAT THE RIGHT WING CLIPPED A POWERLINE BEFORE THE PLANE WENT DOWN AT A SHALLOW ANGLE. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON A GRAVEL ROAD ABOUT 1000 FT FROM THE APPROACH END OF THE RUNWAY. THE ELEVATION WAS ABOUT 5300 FT MSL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3738J (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A36TC
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: EA 162
- Airframe hours: 209
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-UB 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Ted Mollring
- Registered owner: Ted Mollring
- Departed: JACKSON, WY
- Destination: SCOTTSDALE, AZ
- Airport: 1V5, Boulder Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 750 total, 730 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 35 knots
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19820312004029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820312004029A), Mar 12, 1982: Beech A36TC, Boulder, CO, Substantial damage. Strong downdraft in low approach in severe gusts. Wing struck powerline. Airplane stall-landed short of runway.

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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