# NTSB LAX89LA300: Beech C23, N24580, Selma, CA, September 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 2, 1989, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Selma, CA
- Coordinates: 36.529953, -119.639793 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5300&lon=-119.6398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26494
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA300
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26494/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA300

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE FROM THE POWER LINE, WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE. THE POWER LINE WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - initiated, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT AS HE DESCENDED TOWARD HIS HOME, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A POWER LINE.  THE POWER LINE WAS ABOUT 65 FT ABOVE THE GROUND.  THE ACFT CONTINUED FLYING & WAS LANDED AT A NEARBY ARPT WITH SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24580](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N24580-2022-07-26), registration cancelled 2022-07-26, S/N M-1410, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C23
- Registry model: [Beech C23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c23) (registry code 1151242) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M1410
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4G 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Franklin D. Mcdonald
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: WJF, LANCASTER, CA
- Destination: SELMA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 494 total, 162 in this make and model, 455 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890902033369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890902033369A), Sep 2, 1989: Beech C23, Selma, CA, Substantial damage. Descended over pilots residence near airport and wing tip severed powerlines. Landed safely at airport.

## Other investigations on N24580 (2)

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.

- [NTSB WPR19LA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA187), Jun 30, 2019: Beech C23 (N24580), Ludlow, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly tighten an oil line fitting, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB MKC74DCQ42](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC74DCQ42), Jun 2, 1974: Beech C23 (N24580), Marquette, KS, substantial damage

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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