# NTSB LAX88FA196: Beech H-35, N904Q, Phoenix, AZ, May 30, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 29, 1988, 17:40 local (May 30, 1988, 00:40 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.500331, -112.049064 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5003&lon=-112.0491&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 9, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25835
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA196
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25835/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA196

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, climb - to cruise
  - door,passenger - unlocked (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - acft/equip,inadequate design, manufacturer (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD JUST COMPLETED A FLIGHT FROM FARMINGTON, N.M., TO PHOENIX, AZ (PHX) WHERE SHE DEPLANED HER PAX. THE PLT DEPT PHX ENROUTE TO MESA, AZ, (FFZ). AFTER T.O. THE LCL CONTROLLER INSTRUCTED THE PLT TO TURN RIGHT TO 300 DEG AND TO TURN ON THE XPNDR; THE PLT COMPLIED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE LCL CONTROLLER INSTRUCTED THE PLT TO CONTACT THE DEPT CONTROLLER. THE PLT DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE OR COMPLY WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS. GND WITNESSES RPTD THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS FLYING AT A LOW ALTITUDE WHEN IT PITCHED OVER & CRASHED. THE INVESTIGATION DSCLD NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREIMPACT AIRFRAME/ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS. THE CABIN ENTRANCE DOOR WAS FOUND TO BE OPEN AT IMPACT, BUT THE LATCHING MECHANISM WAS IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE PLT'S POSTMORTEM EXAM DISCLOSED THAT SHE WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AT THE TIME & HER RT ARM WAS EXTENDED AT IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N904Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N904Q-1994-09-09), registration cancelled 1994-09-09, S/N D5084 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH H-35
- Registry model: [Beech H35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-h35) (registry code 1151520) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-5084
- Airframe hours: 2500
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-G 240 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David B. Cassidy
- Registered owner: John E. Cassidy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 11, 1987
- Departed: PHX, PHOENIX, AZ
- Destination: FFZ, MESA, AZ
- Airport: PHX, Phoenix

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 650 total, 150 in this make and model, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 20 knots, gusting 27
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX, 2 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 19880530016359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880530016359A), May 30, 1988: Beech H35, Phoenix, AZ, Destroyed, 4 fatal. After takeoff, aircraft descended at a steep angle struck house,people, and burned.

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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