# NTSB FTW86LA160: Boeing E75, N4563N, Sweetwater, TX, September 2, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 1, 1986, 19:35 local (Sep 2, 1986, 00:35 UTC)
- Place: Sweetwater, TX
- Coordinates: 32.460327, -100.399223 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4603&lon=-100.3992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22084
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA160
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22084/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA160

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - throttle/power lever,linkage - disconnected (cause)
  - maintenance - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE THE ACFT WAS IN CRUISE FLT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY WENT TO IDLE POWER. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN A CLEARING, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE INTENDED AREA. DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH LOW MESQUITE TREES, DAMAGING THE LANDING GEAR & WINGS. AN EXAM OF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE REVEALED A COTTER PIN WAS MISSING WHICH ALLOWED THE THROTTLE CONTROL TO BECOME DISCONNECTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4563N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4563N), registered now, S/N 75-8369 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING E75
- Registry model: [Boeing E75](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-e75) (registry code 1380120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-8369
- Airframe hours: 8992
- Engines: P&W R-985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Benjamin B. Turner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1986
- Departed: SWW, SWEETWATER, TX
- Airport: SWW, Sweetwater

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,200 total, 50 in this make and model, 2,200 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19860901043469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860901043469A), Sep 1, 1986: Boeing E75, Sweetwater, TX, Substantial damage. The engine lost power and the aircraft hit trees during landing. Cotter pin was missing from carburetor linkage.

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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