# NTSB DEN85LA220: Beech 76, N3865U, Sula, MT, August 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 15, 1985, 11:15 local (17:15 UTC)
- Place: Sula, MT
- Coordinates: 45.870506, -113.750831 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8705&lon=-113.7508&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16749
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA220
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16749/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA220

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence (cause)

## Analysis

PLT STATED THAT HE OVERFLEW AIRSTRIP TO 'MAKE SURE IT WAS CLEAR.' DURING THE LANDING ROLL, HE SAW SHRUBBERY ON THE RWY AND ATTEMPTED EVASIVE ACTION. THE ACFT VEERED LEFT AND THE LEFT MAIN GEAR ROLLED INTO A DRAINAGE DITCH AND THE LEFT WING CONTACTED A FENCE POST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3865U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3865U-2012-07-09), registration cancelled 2012-07-09, S/N ME-406, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 76
- Registry model: [Beech 76](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-76) (registry code 1153005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: ME-406
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1G6D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mark Timmons
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MSO, MISSOULA, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,200 total, 55 in this make and model, 3,000 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 55 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 211° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSO, 63 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 19850815038789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850815038789A), Aug 15, 1985: Beech 76, Sula, MT, Substantial damage. After landing, veered left to avoid shrubbery on Private airstrip. Left wheel hit small ditch,left wing hit a post.

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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