# NTSB LAX86FA278: Beech C24R, N66287, Meyers, CA, July 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1986, 17:32 local (Jul 5, 1986, 00:32 UTC)
- Place: Meyers, CA
- Location: 38.8348° N, 120.0186° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Meyers, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8348&lon=-120.0186&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 11, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24923
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FA278
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24923/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FA278

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - door - open (cause)
  - aircraft performance - deteriorated (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high terrain
  - terrain condition - rising
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITH A DENSITY ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 8400 FT, AND AN AIRCRAFT NEAR ITS MAX CERTIFICATED GROSS WEIGHT, THE PLT & 3 PAX DEPARTED ON RWY 18. DURING TAKEOFF EITHER THE PILOT'S DOOR WAS NOT CLOSED OR IT CAME OPEN. THE OPEN DOOR DEGRADED THE ACFT'S CLIMB PERFORMANCE. THE PLT BECAME DISTRACTED BY THE DOOR AND INADVERTANTLY FLEW INTO A BOX CANYON. DURING A TURNAROUND MANEUVER, THE ACFT STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE TREES AND TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N66287](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N66287-2014-11-12), registration cancelled 2014-11-12, S/N MC-673, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C24R
- Registry model: [Beech C24R](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c24r) (registry code 1151254) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MC673
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: California Aviation Services
- Registered owner: Kenneth Jackson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 8, 1986
- Departed: TVL, SOUTH LK. TAHOE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 519 total, 8 in this make and model, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TVL, 6 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 19860704030069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860704030069A), Jul 4, 1986: Beech C24R, Meyers, CA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Open door. High density altitude and rich mixture degraded climb. Aircraft stalled into trees in rising terrain.

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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