# NTSB FTW84FA103: Beech H35, N7933D, Taos, NM, December 23, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 23, 1983, 12:53 local (19:53 UTC)
- Place: Taos, NM
- Coordinates: 36.379024, -105.569801 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3790&lon=-105.5698&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21096
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84FA103
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21096/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84FA103

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, climb - to cruise
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT A NEW FUEL SYSTEM HAD JUST RECENTLY BEEN INSTALLED IN MIAMI, FL & HE FORGOT ABOUT THE NEW SYSTEM WHILE SWITCHING TANKS & ACCIDENTLY TURNED IT TO THE OFF POSITION. WHEN THE ENG QUIT HE REALIZED WHAT HE HAD DONE & SWITCHED BACK TO A FULL TANK. HE JUST HAD THE ENG RESTARTED WHEN THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AT THE 10,500 FT LEVEL OF A MOUNTAIN. A SMALL AMOUNT OF COCAINE & $19,200 IN CASH WAS FOUND IN THE ACFT. THE PLT HAD HELD A PRIVATE PLT'S CERTIFICATE WITH SINGLE & MULTI-ENG LAND RATINGS WHICH WAS REVOKED IN 1981 BECAUSE OF FAR VIOLATIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7933D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7933D-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N D-5188, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH H35
- Registry model: [Beech H35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-h35) (registry code 1151520) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-5188
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-G 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michael A. Johnson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PUB, PUEBLO, CO
- Destination: SLC, SALT LAKE CITY, UT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: E33, 16 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 19831223063369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831223063369A), Dec 23, 1983: Beech H35, Taos, NM, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Flew into trees trying to avoid weather and restart engine after turning off fuel selector. Illegal drug involved.

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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