# NTSB FTW83LA169: Beech 35, N3732N, El Paso, TX, March 29, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 29, 1983, 08:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: El Paso, TX
- Location: 31.7587° N, 106.4869° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of El Paso, TX, within about 9 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.7587&lon=-106.4869&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20850
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20850/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA169

## 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
  - electrical system,circuit breaker - popped/tripped (contributing factor)
  - landing gear - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Complete gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

ON A FLT AFTER AN ANNUAL INSPN, THE PLT COULD NOT RETRACT THE GEAR, USING THE NORMAL ELECTRICAL SYS. IT REMAINED EXTENDED WITH THE GREEN SAFE LIGHT ON & THE GEAR POINTER INDICATING DOWN. HE TRIED TO ASSIST THE NORMAL SYS WITH THE MANUAL HANDCRANK, ALTHOUGH THE PLT HANDBOOK DID NOT ALLOW THIS PRACTICE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. HE THEN USED THE HANDCRANK TO MOVE THE GEAR TO THE EXTENDED POSITION, BUT THE GREEN LIGHT WOULD NOT REILLUMINATE. THE PLT ELECTED TO LAND ON THE DIRT OVERRUN AREA, BUT DID NOT SEE A GRADED DIRT BANK, SHORT OF THE OVERRUN. THE GEAR HIT THE BANK & COLLAPSED DURING THE LANDING. THE LANDING GEAR CIRCUIT BREAKER WAS FOUND IN THE 'POPPED' POSITION. THE NORMAL & EMERGENCY GEAR SYS HAD BEEN CHECKED DURING THE ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT ALL BREAKERS WERE IN ON THE DAY BEFORE THE FLT. REPORTEDLY, THE PLT WAS UNAWARE OF A CHECKLIST ITEM TO ASSURE ALL BREAKERS WERE IN BEFORE STARTING THE ENG. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL WHEN OR WHY THE LANDING GEAR CIRCUIT BREAKER GOT INTO THE POPPED POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3732N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3732N-2014-10-02), registration cancelled 2014-10-02, S/N D-941, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Beech 35
- Registry model: [Beech 35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-35) (registry code 1151502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-941
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-185-8 196 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pearson R. Crosby
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 26, 1983, 1 hours before
- Destination: 24LL, PETERSBURG, IL
- Airport: TX04, West Texas, runway 26, 4,100 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 3,000 total, 25 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots, gusting 8
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19830329010029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830329010029A), Mar 29, 1983: Beech 35BEECH, El Paso, TX, Substantial damage. Unable to retract gear. Tried manual incorrectly. Not skilled to see popped circuit breaker. Hit dirt pile landing.

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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