# NTSB LAX84FA183: Beech A36, N9876T, Santa Monica, CA, February 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 18, 1984, 18:44 local (Feb 19, 1984, 02:44 UTC)
- Place: Santa Monica, CA
- Coordinates: 34.009746, -118.459129 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0097&lon=-118.4591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23939
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA183
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23939/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA183

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - ignition system,ignition lead - disconnected
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - wheels up landing - performed

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ELECTRICAL SYS FAILED AS HE RETRACTED THE GEAR. HE ELECTED TO RETURN TO THE ARPT & LAND. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE ENG LOST POWER. HE FURTHER STATED THAT HE HAND CRANKED THE GEAR TO THE DOWN POSITION & RECEIVED A LIGHT FROM THE TOWER TO LAND. HOWEVER, WHEN HE LANDED, THE GEAR WAS NOT EXTENDED. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE P-LEAD ON A MAGNETO HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED. NO OTHER PREACCIDENT/MECHANICAL DISCREPANCIES WERE FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9876T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9876T), registered now, S/N E-795, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A36
- Registry model: [Beech A36](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a36) (registry code 1151604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: E-795
- Airframe hours: 1547
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-BA10B 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Grayce Construction, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, January 12, 1984, 8 hours before
- Destination: OXR, OXNARD, CA
- Airport: SMO, Santa Monica, runway 21, 4,987 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 292 total, 292 in this make and model, 292 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 240° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SMO

## 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 19840218045379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840218045379A), Feb 18, 1984: Beech A36, Santa Monica, CA, Substantial damage. Lost electric power and returned to land. Engine quit in pattern. Landed gear up. Magneto p lead had disconnected.

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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