# NTSB DEN89LA095: Beech F33A, N3042Z, Lamar, CO, March 27, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 27, 1989, 11:20 local (18:20 UTC)
- Place: Lamar, CO
- Coordinates: 38.080074, -102.610153 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0801&lon=-102.6102&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17687
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN89LA095
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17687/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA095

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF AN ALTERNATOR BEARING WHICH RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER AFTER THE BATTERY BECAME DISCHARGED, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO INSURE THE GEAR WAS FULLY EXTENDED DURING A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEAR EXTENSION SYSTEM WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,alternator - failure,total (cause)
  - electrical system - inoperative (cause)
- Complete gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
  - gear extension - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - gear down and locked - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - roadway/highway

## Analysis

DRG A X-COUNTRY FLT THE ALTERNATOR OUT LIGHT ILLUMINATED & THE PLT DIVERTED TO THE CLOSEST ARPT WHICH WAS AT LAMAR, CO. THE ACFT ARRIVED AT LAMAR WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DEPLETED. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR WITH THE NORMAL (ELECTRICAL) SYSTEM, SO SHE EXTENDED THE GEAR MANUALLY TO WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS THE FULLY EXTENDED POSITION. SHE SAID THE ENG OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS INDICATING LOW, SO SHE ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD. DURING THE LANDING ALL THREE GEAR COLLAPSED. BEFORE STOPPING, THE ACFT WENT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD & WAS FURTHER DAMAGED. A POST-ACDNT INSPN OF THE ACFT REVEALED AN ALTERNATOR BEARING HAD FAILED. NO REASON FOR THE RPRTD DROP IN OIL PRESSURE WAS FND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3042Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3042Z-2015-09-02), registration cancelled 2015-09-02, S/N CE-1114, built 1987 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH F33A
- Registry model: [Beech F33A](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-f33a) (registry code 1151425) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: CE1114
- Airframe hours: 582
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-BB 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ruth M. Davis
- Registered owner: S & R Farms, Inc
- Last inspection: Annual, January 25, 1989, 45 hours before
- Departed: APA, DENVER, CO
- Destination: DDC, DODGE CITY, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,317 total, 20 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19890327004709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890327004709A), Mar 27, 1989: Beech F33A, Lamar, CO, Substantial damage. Failed alternator light on. Extend gear manually. Beleived engine oil too hot. Landed on road. Gear collapsed.

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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