# NTSB LAX87FA085: Beech F33A, N1067W, Sacramento, CA, January 14, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 13, 1987, 18:02 local (Jan 14, 1987, 02:02 UTC)
- Place: Sacramento, CA
- Coordinates: 38.510421, -121.489395 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5104&lon=-121.4894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25370
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87FA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25370/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA085

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - removal of control/gust lock(s) - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE WINDS AT THE AIRPORT HAD BEEN REPORTED AS STRONG AND GUSTING. AFTER HIS PASSENGERS ARRIVED, THE PILOT REQUESTED AND RECEIVED TAXI INSTRUCTIONS TO THE ACTIVE RUNWAY WHICH WAS APRX 3700 FT FROM HIS PARKING SPACE. ABOUT 2-1/2 MINS AFTER RECEIVING HIS TAXI CLEARANCE, THE PILOT REQUESTED AND RECEIVED TAKEOFF INSTRUCTIONS. GROUND WITNESSES STATED THAT AFTER THE AIRCRAFT TOOK OFF, IT CLIMBED TO APRX 100 TO 200 FT, THEN ROLLED LEFT, ENTERED A STEEP DIVE & CRASHED. ABOUT 5 SEC LATER, A POST-CRASH FIRE ERUPTED. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND. THE GUST LOCK PIN WAS FOUND NEAR THE CONTROL COLUMN. THE PIN WAS BENT & THE GUST LOCK PIN HOLE IN THE CONTROL COLUMN WAS ELONGATED AS THOUGH IT HAD BEEN FORCED REARWARD WITH THE PIN INSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1067W (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH F33A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: CE430
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-BA10 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kaweah Construction Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: SAC
- Destination: VIS, VISALIA, CA
- Airport: SAC, Sacramento Executive, runway 30, 3,836 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 13,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 340° at 18 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAC

## 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 19870113000329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870113000329A), Jan 13, 1987: Beech F33A, Sacramento, CA, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Appears pilot neglected to remove the control column gust lock installed earlier for wind. Lost control and stalled

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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