# NTSB DEN83LA174: Beech C35, N12370, Salida, CO, July 23, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1983, 13:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Salida, CO
- Coordinates: 38.530342, -105.999748 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5303&lon=-105.9997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16124
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83LA174
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16124/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA174

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED INTO A MOUNTAIN IN A CONTROLLED CRASH SITUATION WITH FULL FLAPS AND FULL POWER AT THE 11,312 FT LEVEL THE DENSITY ALT WAS COMPUTED TO BE 12,370 FT MSL. THE PLT WAS AWARE THAT THE WEATHER WAS QUESTIONABLE IN SOME AREAS OF HIS ROUTE AND THE MOUNTAIN TOPS OBSCURED. THE PLT TOLD THE FSS AT GRAND JUNCTION AFTER A WEATHER BRIEFING THAT HE WOULD GO AND FLT CHECK THE WEATHER IN THE AREA AND CALL FSS BACK. AFTER TAKEOFF THERE WERE NO FURTHER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE FLT. THE PLT GAVE SEVERAL ACCOUNTS OF HIS DIFFICULTIES TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE NONE OF WHICH COULD BE VERIFIED. THE PLTSACCOUNT OF A LIGHTING STRIKE AND AIRFRAME FAILURE WERE NOT EVIDENCED BY WRECKAGE EXAMINATION OR BY WITNESSES WHO SAW THEACFT CIRCLING THE VALLEY WEST OF THE TRAIL THEY WERE HORSEBACK RIDING ON. THE PLT SAID HE COULD NOT MAINTAIN ALT. HE TURNED INTO THE HILLSIDE, LOWERED FLAPS, APPLIED FULL POWER AND SETTLED INTO THE TREES. ALL 4 OCCUPANTS GOT OUT WITH MINOR OR NO INJURIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12370](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12370-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N D-3369, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C35
- Registry model: [Beech C35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c35) (registry code 1151508) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E225 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e225-series) (registry code 17015, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-3369
- Airframe hours: 2256
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-225-8 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Darrell D. Land
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 6, 1982, 56 hours before
- Departed: GJT, GRAND JUNCTION, CO
- Destination: IV5, BOULDER, CO
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 289 total, 28 in this make and model, 239 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GUC, 30 nm away

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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