# NTSB DEN86FA160: Beech C23, N6337U, Lamar, CO, June 14, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1986, 08:20 local (14:20 UTC)
- Place: Lamar, CO
- Coordinates: 38.0797, -102.610618 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0797&lon=-102.6106&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 3 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16828
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86FA160
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16828/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86FA160

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - door,exterior crew - unlocked (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - airspeed - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - soft
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB, THE PLT'S DOOR CAME OPEN. THE PVT PLT WITH 2 HOURS FLYING EXPERIENCE IN C-23 ACFT MADE A CLOSE IN TRAFFIC PATTERN TO RETURN FOR LANDING. DURING THE TURN FROM BASE LEG TO FINAL THE NOSE OF THE ACFT SUDDENLY DROPPED AND THE ACFT STARTED TO SINK RAPIDLY. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE GROUND BEFORE TOTAL RECOVERY COULD BE AFFECTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6337U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6337U-2014-12-02), registration cancelled 2014-12-02, S/N M-2370, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C23
- Registry model: [Beech C23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c23) (registry code 1151242) (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: M-2370
- Airframe hours: 569
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Aero Aviation
- Registered owner: Craig Hitchcock
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 13, 1986, 44 hours before
- Destination: COLORADO SPRING, CO
- Airport: LAA, Lamar Municipal, runway 18, 6,304 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 65 total, 5 in this make and model, 35 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 52 °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 19860614024319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860614024319A), Jun 14, 1986: Beech C23, Lamar, CO, Destroyed. The aircraft spun in the pattern and recovered too low to avoid impact. Pilot returning to runway to close open door

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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