# NTSB LAX86LA342: Beech A-36, N6650Y, Visalia, CA, September 8, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 7, 1986, 20:30 local (Sep 8, 1986, 03:30 UTC)
- Place: Visalia, CA
- Coordinates: 36.28952, -119.379219 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2895&lon=-119.3792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 6 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25250
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA342
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25250/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA342

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - proper touchdown point - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - approach light/navaid (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED MONTEREY AIRPORT, MONTEREY, CA ON A VFR NIGHT FLIGHT. THE PLT ENTERED THE DOWNWIND LEG FOR RUNWAY 30 AND OBSERVED AN AIRPLANE DEPART ON THE RUNWAY AT WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS ABOUT MIDFIELD. THE AIRPLANE HAD DEPARTED FROM THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD. WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH SHE REALIZED THAT SHE HAD MISTAKEN THE APPROACH LIGHTS FOR THE RUNWAY LIGHTS. SHE TURNED TO HER HUSBAND WHO WAS OCCUPYING A REAR SEAT AND STATED THAT SHE WAS IN TROUBLE. AT THIS TIME THE STALL WARNING HORN SOUNDED AND SHE THEN PUSHED THE AIRPLANE'S NOSE DOWNWARD. THE AIRPLANE ALMOST IMMEDIATELY COLLIDED WITH THE APPROACH LIGHTS AND CRASHED. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY PREIMACT MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6650Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6650Y-1996-04-29), registration cancelled 1996-04-29, S/N E1517 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A-36
- Registry model: [Beech A36](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a36) (registry code 1151604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: E-1517
- Airframe hours: 13
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-BB 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sequoia Enterprises, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 11, 1986, 13 hours before
- Departed: MRY, MONTEREY, CA
- Airport: VIS, Visalia, runway 30, 6,556 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 696 total, 646 in this make and model, 599 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19860907087259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860907087259A), Sep 7, 1986: Beech A36, Visalia, CA, Substantial damage. Collided with approach lights on final approach. Crashed into a ditch. Approach too low. Stalled over the lights.

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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