# NTSB LAX85FA181: Beech B35D, N2176D, Mojave, CA, March 21, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 21, 1985, 08:24 local (16:24 UTC)
- Place: Mojave, CA
- Coordinates: 35.070518, -118.180389 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0705&lon=-118.1804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24481
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA181
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24481/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA181

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent
  - weather condition - turbulence (cause)
  - flight control surfaces/attachments - separation (cause)
  - airspeed(va) - exceeded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE LEFT STABILIZER ASSEMBLY SEPARATED FROM THE ACFT IN-FLT.THE ALT AND AIRSPEED AT THE TIME OF THE SEPARATION WERE NOT DETERMINED. PLTS OF ACFT FLYING IN THE AREA AT ABOUT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT REPORTED MODERATE TO SEVERE TURBULENCEAND UP AND DOWN DRAFTS OF 1,500 FPM. THE BEECH PLT REQUESTED AND RECEIVED WX INFO ALONG HI ROUTE OF FLT. NO SIGMETS OR AIRMETS WERE ISSUED TO THE PLT NOR WERE THERE ANY IN EFFECT IN THE AREA OR AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2176D (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH B35D
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D3523
- Airframe hours: 6045
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-225-8 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: No. Sacramento Flyers, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 26, 1984
- Departed: SAC, SACRAMENTO, CA
- Destination: TSP, TEHACHAPI, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,502 total, 1,373 in this make and model, 4,138 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: WJF, 22 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 19850321008549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850321008549A), Mar 21, 1985: Beech D35, Mojave, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Left elevator failed in flight. Meteorological impact statement forecasted mod to severe turb. SIGMET not issued.

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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