# NTSB FTW95LA262: Beech 77, N3737B, Mcallen, TX, June 25, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1995, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Mcallen, TX
- Coordinates: 26.160245, -98.249366 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1602&lon=-98.2494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19470
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19470/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA262

## Probable cause

THE DUAL STUDENT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY OPERATE THE THROTTLE AND THE INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, dual student (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, emergency landing
  - object - fence post
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR,DURING RECOVERY FROM A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING AT ABOUT 600 FEET AGL, THE STUDENT PILOT 'SHOVED THE THROTTLE FULL FORWARD THEREBY DEPRIVING THE ENGINE OF FUEL.' THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING; HOWEVER, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A FENCE POST AND THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST INVERTED.

## Factual narrative

On June 25, 1995, at 1830 central daylight time, a Beech 77, N3737B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near McAllen, Texas.  The certificated flight instructor and student pilot were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight operated by Volare Aviation.  The flight originated at Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas, at 1800 and no flight plan was filed.

The flight instructor reported, in the enclosed Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), that he simulated an engine failure at 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL).  The student pilot performed the emergency checklist and began to search for possible landing sites.  "At approximately 400-600 feet MSL, I instructed the student to initiate a go-around.  The student; however, shoved the throttle full forward, thereby depriving the engine of fuel.  The engine both hesitated and sputtered...Despite my efforts, which were limited by the lack of engine thrust, the aircraft struck a fence pole and flipped over mid-air and landed on its back."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3737B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3737B-2014-12-02), registration cancelled 2014-12-02, S/N WA-172, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 77
- Registry model: [Beech 77](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-77) (registry code 1153007) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: WA-172
- Airframe hours: 3192
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Volare Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 8, 1995, 32 hours before
- Departed: MFE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,064 total, 186 in this make and model, 1,918 as pilot in command, 183 in the last 90 days, 69 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 63 °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).

- [Incident 19950625022899I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950625022899I), Jun 25, 1995: Beech 77, Mc Allen, TX, Substantial damage. Practice engine out student slammed throttle open on recovery. Engine quit hit fence and nosed over 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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