# NTSB DEN85LA018: Beech C-45H, N9561Z, Heber City, UT, October 25, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 25, 1984, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Heber City, UT
- Coordinates: 40.430824, -111.1902 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4308&lon=-111.1902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16594
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16594/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA018

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - lubricating system,oil regulator - pressure too low (contributing factor)
  - propeller feathering - performed, pilot in command
  - selected, pilot in command
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command
  - engine accessories,engine starter - other
  - electrical system,battery - output low
  - gear extension - not possible, pilot in command
  - expectancy, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft performance,engine out capability - deteriorated
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command
  - proper altitude - not possible, pilot in command
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - wheels up landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE IN CRUISE FLT, PLT NOTED GRADUAL LEFT ENG OIL PRESS DROP FROM NORMAL 70 PSI TO 20 PSI. PLT SHUT DOWN LEFT ENG, FEATHERED PROP AND DIVERTED TO ALTERNATE AIRPORT. EN ROUTE TO ALTERNATE PLT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART LEFT ENG TO AVOID SINGLE-ENGINE LANDING. PLT STATED ACFT BATTERY WAS 'GROUND DOWN' BY UNSUCCESSFUL START ATTEMPTS. ON ARRIVAL AT AIRPORT, GEAR WOULD NOT LOWER BY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DUE LOW BATTERY OUTPUT. PLT ATTEMPTED TO LOWER GEAR MANUALLY BUT INSUFFICIENT TIME AND ALTITUDE REMAINED TO COMPLETE OPERATION BEFORE LANDING. PLT ATTEMPTED SINGLE- ENGINE GO-AROUND WITH GEAR PARTIALLY EXTENDED. ACFT WOULD NOT MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. PLT EXECUTED FORCED LANDING IN OPEN FIELD, ELEVATION 5600 FT MSL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9561Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9561Z-2013-03-20), registration cancelled 2013-03-20, S/N AF-32, built 1951 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C-45H
- Registry model: [Beech C-45H](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c-45h) (registry code 1151018) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AF-32
- Airframe hours: 9800
- Engines: P&W R985-HB reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Howard Harding
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 15, 1984
- Departed: 74U, ROOSEVELT, UT
- Destination: SLC, SALT LAKE CITY, UT
- Airport: 360, Heber Valley, runway 3, 4,400 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 510 total, 60 in this make and model, 50 as pilot in command, 170 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19841025074239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841025074239A), Oct 25, 1984: Beech C45H, Heber City, UT, Substantial damage. Left engine shut down, low oil pressure. Battery ran down. Could not extend gear manually. Unable maintain altitude.

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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