# NTSB LAX89FA294: Beech V35TC, N6225V, Fort Jones, CA, August 31, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1989, 16:12 local (23:12 UTC)
- Place: Fort Jones, CA
- Coordinates: 41.409431, -123.019409 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4094&lon=-123.0194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26244
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89FA294
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26244/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA294

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON A LONG LOW FINAL APPROACH IN A LANDING CONFIGURATION WITH 20 DEGREES OF FLAPS. ABOUT ONE MILE FROM THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH 30 FOOT HIGH TRANSMISSION WIRES. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6225V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6225V-1990-07-26), registration cancelled 1990-07-26, S/N D8567 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH V35TC
- Registry model: [Beech V35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-v35) (registry code 1151538) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D8567
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-D 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert H. Brown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1989
- Departed: EMT, EL MONTE, CA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: CA06, Scott Valley, runway 34, 3,700 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,806 total, 1,592 in this make and model, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19890831033079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890831033079A), Aug 31, 1989: Beech V35TC, Fort Jones, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Too low on final. Struck powerline crashed and burned. Had struck power lines prior time. Severe cardiac disease.

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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