# NTSB LAX87FA309: Beech C-55, N3784Q, Salton City, CA, August 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1987, 11:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Salton City, CA
- Coordinates: 33.479061, -116.100715 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4791&lon=-116.1007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25422
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87FA309
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25422/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA309

## Probable cause

INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S INABILITY TO RECOVER CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AFTER IT ENTERED A SPIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - emergency procedure - simulated, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - airspeed(vmc) - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - stall/spin - not corrected, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A GROUND WITNESS OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT AT A LOW ALTITUDE, CLIMBING, WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED. HE STATED THAT HE HEARD THE ENGINE SOUNDS DECREASE AND OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT ROLL OVER INTO A SPIN. THE WITNESS SAID THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED INVERTED DURING ONE SPINNING TURN BUT RETURNED TO AN UPRIGHT ATTITUDE BEFORE COLLIDING WITH THE TERRAIN. EXAM OF THE PROPELLERS INDICATED THAT THE LEFT PROPELLER WAS FEATHERED. EXAM OF THE ENGINES DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3784Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3784Q-1988-08-23), registration cancelled 1988-08-23, S/N TE356 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C-55
- Registry model: [Beech 95-C55](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-95-c55) (registry code 1152708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: TE356
- Airframe hours: 1714
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-C 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Palm Springs Flight Center
- Registered owner: Carlson, Stuart H
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 10, 1987, 10 hours before
- Departed: PSP, PALM SPRINGS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 12,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 66 °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 19870823083029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870823083029A), Aug 23, 1987: Beech 95C55, Salton City, CA, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. At low altitude climbed, rolled over, and spun in. Both props feathered. CFI had pacemaker. Possible gave engine out

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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