# NTSB FTW87LA188: Beech 35, N470MC, Richwood, TX, July 24, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1987, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Richwood, TX
- Coordinates: 29.040578, -95.440383 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.0406&lon=-95.4404&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 8, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22411
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA188
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22411/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA188

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT IMPACTED A TREE AFTER A FORCED LANDING TO A FIELD NEAR RICHWOOD, TEXAS. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS ON FINAL APPROACH TO THE AIRPORT WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS ON THE RIGHT TANK AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE LEFT TANK CONTAINED APPROXIMATELY 12 GALLONS OF FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N470MC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N470MC-2015-12-05), registration cancelled 2015-12-05, S/N D-570, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 35
- Registry model: [Beech 35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-35) (registry code 1151502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D580
- Airframe hours: 6223
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-225 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert H. Roy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TK1, MCKINNEY, TX
- Destination: 93XS, RICHWOOD, TX
- Airport: 93XS, Scherdin, runway 19, 2,600 × 50 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 781 total, 106 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOU, 40 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 19870724075719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870724075719A), Jul 24, 1987: Beech 35BEECH, Richwood, TX, Substantial damage. Forgot to switch fuel tanks. Engine quit on final approach. Landed short. Hit trees on forced landing.

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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