# NTSB LAX86LA348: Beech 35-B33, N917Q, Thermal, CA, September 13, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1986, 14:07 local (21:07 UTC)
- Place: Thermal, CA
- Coordinates: 33.480182, -116.100708 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4802&lon=-116.1007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25256
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA348
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25256/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA348

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s)
  - proper descent rate - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED ON A LOCAL FLIGHT TO PUT 'SOME BREAK IN TIME' ON A NEWLY INSTALLED ENGINE CYLINDER. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE' DEPARTED WITH A LOW FUEL LEVEL BUT WAS ONLY GOING TO BE UP FOR A LITTLE WHILE.' AFTER 40 MINUTES OF FLIGHT TIME, THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT AND THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES ABOUT ONE HALF MILE SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED 'ONLY RESIDUAL FUEL' REMAINED IN BOTH WING TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N917Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 35-B33
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: CD-408
- Engines: CONTINENTAL I0-470-K 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bruce E. Kandarian
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 3, 1986, 2 hours before
- Airport: TRM, Thermal, runway 17, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 526 total, 187 in this make and model, 480 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TRM

## 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 19860913045159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860913045159A), Sep 13, 1986: Beech 35B33, Thermal, CA, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion during a local flight. Aircraft struck trees during forced landing on final.

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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