# NTSB LAX84LA003: Beech S35, N6851Q, Elgin, AZ, October 7, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 7, 1983, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Elgin, AZ
- Coordinates: 31.569381, -110.539146 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.5694&lon=-110.5391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24050
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24050/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA003

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A DIRT, RANCH STRIP, THE PLT ELECTED TO USE TRACKS THAT WERE WORN IN THE VEGETATION BESIDE THE STRIP. HE BELIEVED THAT THESE TRACKS HAD BEEN FORMED BY OTHER ACFT & THOUGHT THE TAKEOFF WOULD BE SMOOTHER IF HE USED THEM. HOWEVER, THE TRACKS WERE FROM TRACTOR & PICKUP TRUCK TRAFFIC & WERE NOT INTENDED FOR USE AS A RWY. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE ACFT DRIFTED OFF THE EDGE OF THE TRACTS & THE LEFT GEAR HIT A HIDDEN ROCK. THE ACFT THEN VEERED ABOUT 45 DEG FURTHER LEFT & THE LEFT WING HIT A SMALL TREE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6851Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6851Q-2018-03-13), registration cancelled 2018-03-13, S/N D-7500, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH S35
- Registry model: [Beech S35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-s35) (registry code 1151532) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-7500
- Airframe hours: 2300
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-B 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Marlyn Augustine
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1982
- Destination: SDL, SCOTTSDALE, AZ
- Airport: Brophy Ranch, runway 21, 2,500 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 4,000 total, 1,400 in this make and model, 3,500 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19831007054159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831007054159A), Oct 7, 1983: Beech S35, Elgin, AZ, Substantial damage. During takeoff roll aircraft left runway and left wheel struck a hidden rock causing it to veer into trees.

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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