# NTSB LAX82DA363: Beech 76, N6718X, Big Sur, CA, September 30, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1982, 18:45 local (Sep 30, 1982, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Big Sur, CA
- Coordinates: 36.080982, -121.599411 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0810&lon=-121.5994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 29, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69949
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA363
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69949/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA363

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - object - bird(s) (cause)
  - performed, pilot in command
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

REPORTEDLY, A SMALL FLOCK OF BIRDS WERE ENCOUNTERED WHILE CRUISING AT 8000 FT MSL. ONE OR MORE OF THE BIRDS STRUCK THE COWLING AND WINDSHIELD WHICH RESULTED IN A HOLE IN THE TOP RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE PILOT DIVERTED AND LANDED AT MONTEREY, CA WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6718X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6718X-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N ME-348, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 76
- Registry model: [Beech 76](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-76) (registry code 1153005) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: ME-348
- Airframe hours: 413
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1G6D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Altair
- Registered owner: Altair
- Departed: VGB, VANDENBERG AFB, CA
- Destination: SFO, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,882 total, 180 in this make and model, 1,688 as pilot in command, 151 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 115 °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 19820929052519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820929052519A), Sep 29, 1982: Beech 76, Big Sur, CA, Substantial damage. Encountered a flock of birds en route. Windshield and cowling received damage.

## Other investigations on N6718X (1)

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.

- [NTSB WPR11LA361](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA361), Jul 30, 2011: Beech 76 (N6718X), Perris, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control and the resulting encounter with an aerodynamic stall. Also causal were the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and preflight inspection, his…

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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