# NTSB LAX85FVA05: Beech E-33, N3493A, Coalinga, CA, September 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1985, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Coalinga, CA
- Coordinates: 36.189155, -120.390098 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1892&lon=-120.3901&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24548
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FVA05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24548/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FVA05

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
  - brakes(normal) - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE ACFT DRAGGED THE TAIL AND CRASHED IN A PLOWED FIELD ABOUT 1/4 MILE EAST OF THE TAKEOFF RWY. THE PLT SAID THE ACFT BECAME 'SQUIRRELY' ON THE RWY AND WENT LEFT OFF THE RWYDESPITE HER APPLICATION OF RT RUDDER TRACKS SHOWED THAT THE ACFT LEFT RWY AFTER 250 FT OF ROLL AND BRAKING HAD OCCURRED FOR 600 FT, FIRST ON THE LEFT BRAKE, THEN BOTH BRAKES & FINALLY THE RT BRAKE ONLY. THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE AFTER ABOUT 950 FT & FLEW ABOUT 400 FT BEFORE THE TAIL HIT THE GROUND AND THE ACFT CRASHED, DAMAGING THE RT WING, RT STABILIZER, LNDING GEAR & NOSE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3493A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3493A), registered now, S/N CD-1234, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Beech E-33
- Registry model: [Beech E33](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-e33) (registry code 1151422) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: CD1234
- Airframe hours: 2129
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO 470K 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bill & Bonnie Whitman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 28, 1985, 55 hours before
- Departed: RNO, RENO, NV
- Destination: SNA, SANTA ANA, CA
- Airport: 308, Harris Ranch, runway 14, 2,820 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 241 total, 77 in this make and model, 164 as pilot in command, 56 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °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 19850916045539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850916045539A), Sep 16, 1985: Beech E33, Colainga, CA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on takeoff roll. Tail struck ground on rotation, horizontal stabilizer struck a dirt mound

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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