# NTSB LAX85LA083: Beech 77, N67216, San Martin, CA, December 23, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 22, 1984, 22:33 local (Dec 23, 1984, 06:33 UTC)
- Place: San Martin, CA
- Coordinates: 37.100265, -121.600738 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1003&lon=-121.6007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24617
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA083
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24617/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA083

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,circuit breaker - popped/tripped (contributing factor)
- Miscellaneous/other, approach
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - not operating
  - precautionary landing - intentional, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - proper alignment - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

ON A NIGHT PLEASURE FLT THE AFCT'S ALTERNATOR WENT OFF LINE.THE PLT ELECTED TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE LANDING AT THE ARPT HE WAS OVERFLYING RATHER THAN FLYING TO A FLD WHICH HAD OPERATING RWY LIGHTS. THE FLD HE WAS OVER HAD A PLT-CONTROLLED LIGHTING SYSTEM, BUT THE PLT SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVATE THE LIGHTS. THE PLT MISTOOK A TAXIWAY WHICH WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR THE RWY & AFTER TOUCHDOWN COLLIDED WITH A DIRT MOUND & NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N67216](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N67216-2013-05-01), registration cancelled 2013-05-01, S/N WA-87, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 77
- Registry model: [Beech 77](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-77) (registry code 1153007) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: WA-87
- Airframe hours: 702
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Squadron 2 Flying Club
- Registered owner: Chet R. Mdtcalf
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: RHV, SAN JOSE, CA
- Destination: RHU, SAN JOSE, CA
- Airport: Q99, S.County Of Santa Maria, runway 12, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 448 total, 11 in this make and model, 372 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 120° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19841222067759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841222067759A), Dec 22, 1984: Beech 77, San Martin, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot landed on sod area next to runway. Failed to activate runway lights. Aircraft struck berm,went onto its back.

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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