# NTSB FTW85FPA02: Beech H35, N4697D, Wichita Falls, TX, May 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1985, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Wichita Falls, TX
- Location: 33.9137° N, 98.4934° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Wichita Falls, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9137&lon=-98.4934&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21574
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FPA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21574/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FPA02

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - landing gear,normal retraction/extension assembly - improper (cause)
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - aircraft handling - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT MADE A SHALLOW RT TURN AND DESCENDED TO GROUND CONTACT DURING A GO-AROUND AFTER THE PLT WAS INFORMED BY RADIO THAT HIS LANDING GEAR WAS NOT FULLY EXTENDED. INVESTIGATION REVELAED ALSO THAT THE MAIN FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY AND THE TANK SELECTOR WAS ON AUXILLARY TANK. THE LANDING GEAR EMERGENCY HANDLE WAS EXTENDED AND ENGAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4697D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4697D-2012-12-11), registration cancelled 2012-12-11, S/N D-4869, built 1956 (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: D4869
- Airframe hours: 2497
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-G 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Todd E. Foust
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, June 4, 1984, 70 hours before
- Departed: E15, GRAHAM, TX
- Destination: T47, WICHITA FALLS, TX
- Airport: T47, Airpark

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 200 total, 40 in this make and model, 150 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °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 19850523019879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850523019879A), May 23, 1985: Beech H35, Wichita Falls, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft struck mesquite trees and ground during attempted landing. Probable fuel exhaustion.

## Other investigations on N4697D (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW74FQG35](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW74FQG35), Jan 6, 1974: Beech H35 (N4697D), Canyon, TX, substantial damage

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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