# NTSB FTW86LA088: Cessna 337D, N337D, Edinberg, TX, May 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1986, 19:30 local (May 9, 1986, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Edinberg, TX
- Coordinates: 26.289346, -98.159759 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2893&lon=-98.1598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22026
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA088
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22026/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA088

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HE LOST BOTH ENGINES WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT. HOWEVER, NO EVIDENCE OF ENGINE MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION. THE PILOT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR ILLEGAL DRUG TRAFFICKING. A DEA AGENT SUSPECTS THE PILOT HAD UNLOADED HIS CARGO AND WAS TAKING OFF FROM A DIRT ROAD, WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED A CROSSWIND AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, COLLIDING WITH A DITCH ALONGSIDE THE ROAD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N337D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N337D-1989-03-15), registration cancelled 1989-03-15, S/N 3371156 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 337D
- Registry model: [Cessna T337D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-t337d) (registry code 2075719) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 337-1156
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360-C/D 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Alfonso Gonzalez
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: 25R, Edinburg

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 200 total, 75 in this make and model, 150 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFE, 8 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 19860508016439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860508016439A), May 8, 1986: Cessna T337D, Edinberg, TX, Substantial damage. Pilot said both engines quit. Landed on road. No evidence of such. Dea suspects swerve on takeoff after drug drop.

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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