# NTSB FTW85LA035: Beech 95-A55, N1591S, Sonora, TX, November 3, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1984, 01:30 local (07:30 UTC)
- Place: Sonora, TX
- Coordinates: 30.569183, -100.640029 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5692&lon=-100.6400&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21616
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA035
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21616/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA035

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PILOT STATED THAT HE INTENDED TO LAND AT SONORA, TX, BUT PATCHY GROUND FOG OBSCURED THE ARPT. HE CIRCLED THE APRT ONE TIME AND THEN DEPARTED NORTHWARD. HE TURNED BACK TO ATTEMPT ANOTHER VISUAL APPROACH TO THE ARPT WHEN THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE ON THE HIGHEST POINT OF LAND IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1591S (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 95-A55
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: TC-375
- Airframe hours: 4109
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-L 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gerard Gonzales
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: LNC, LANCASTER, TX
- Destination: E29, SONORA, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,077 total, 225 in this make and model, 908 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °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 19841103059859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841103059859A), Nov 3, 1984: Beech 95A55, Sonora, TX, Substantial damage. Circled airport because of ground fog. Hit trees north of airport at an elevation of 110 feet above airport.

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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