# NTSB FTW85LA222: Beech M-23, N2384Z, Willow City, TX, May 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 11, 1985, 13:39 local (18:39 UTC)
- Place: Willow City, TX
- Coordinates: 30.399703, -98.699707 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3997&lon=-98.6997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21749
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA222
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21749/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA222

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - became lost/disoriented (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE RETURN LEG OF A X-COUNTRY FLT TO CALIFORNIA, THE PLT BECAME LOST AND ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. THE ACFT WING CONTACTED A SIGN POST DURING THE LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2384Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH M-23
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M96
- Airframe hours: 2000
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Clyde F. Fitch
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: FST, FORT STOCKTON, TX
- Destination: CRP, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 1,600 total, 530 in this make and model, 1,500 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- 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 19850511016529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850511016529A), May 11, 1985: Beech 23BEECH, Willow City, TX, Substantial damage. Wing struck sign post during precautionary landing while lost on cross country flight. Medical previously revoked.

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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