# NTSB LAX88LA005: Beech A35, N8583A, Wickenburg, AZ, October 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1987, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Wickenburg, AZ
- Location: 33.9772° N, 112.7795° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs from NTSB’s distance and direction from WICKENBURG MUNI (E25), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9772&lon=-112.7795&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25879
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25879/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA005

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - flight control,gust lock - incorrect (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight control,gust lock - not removed (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not attained
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, other

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF RUN, THE PLT REALIZED HE HAD A FLT CONTROL PROBLEM WHEN HE WAS UNABLE TO ROTATE THE ACFT FOR LIFT- OFF. HE STATED THAT HE CONTD THE TAKEOFF, ATTEMPTING TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM WITH ELEVATOR TRIM. HE WAS UNABLE TO ESTABLISH A CLIMB. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT HIT A FENCE WHILE THE LNDG GEAR WAS STILL EXTENDED & CAME TO A STOP 'SOME 800 FEET BEYOND.' THE OWNER/PLT RPRTD THAT THE GUST LOCK FOR THE PLANE HAD BEEN MISPLACED & A BOLT WAS INSERTED IN ITS PLACE. PRIOR TO THE FLT, HE HAD FAILED TO REMOVE THE BOLT. HE ALSO NOTED THAT 'JUDICIOUS USE OF CHECKLIST' COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE ACDNT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8583A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8583A-2014-11-20), registration cancelled 2014-11-20, S/N D-2005, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A35
- Registry model: [Beech A35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a35) (registry code 1151504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D2005
- Airframe hours: 4000
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-185-1 185 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Goff, William G.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: E25, Wickenburg, runway 5, 5,050 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 450 total, 31 in this make and model, 362 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Observed at: LUF, 30 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 19871004058539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871004058539A), Oct 4, 1987: Beech A35, Wickenburg, AZ, Substantial damage. Collided with the terrain after takoff. Found control lock was in place at the time of the accident. Bolt used.

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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