# NTSB LAX86LA259: Beech A-36TC, N3823A, San Rafael, CA, June 20, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 20, 1986, 13:35 local (20:35 UTC)
- Place: San Rafael, CA
- Coordinates: 38.099731, -122.630355 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0997&lon=-122.6304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25188
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA259
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25188/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA259

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND INITIAL DURING A TAKEOFF INITIAL CLIMB. HE INDICATED THAT HE MISJUDGED THE STALL BUFFET AS TURBULENT AIRFLOW FROM A CROSSWIND. THE RIGHT WING DROPPED AND THE ACFT STALLED. THE PLT ALSO INDICATED THE STALL WARNING DID NOT SOUND. A LOCAL SHEEPHERDER WHO WITNESSED THE ACCIDENT STATED THAT THE ACFT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF DOWNWIND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3823A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3823A), registered now, S/N EA-194, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A-36TC
- Registry model: [Beech A36TC](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a36tc) (registry code 1151603) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-550 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-series) (registry code 17042, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: EA-194
- Airframe hours: 958
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-UB 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Martin W. Lyon
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 8, 1986, 4 hours before
- Departed: CA35, SAN RAFAEL, CA
- Destination: TRK, TRUCKEE, CA
- Airport: CA35, Smith Ranch, runway 4, 2,100 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 387 total, 270 in this make and model, 250 as pilot in command, 51 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: APC, 20 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 19860620026929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860620026929A), Jun 20, 1986: Beech A36TC, San Rafael, CA, Substantial damage. The pilot stalled the aircraft during a downwind takeoff and struck the ground.

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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