# NTSB LAX90LA243: Beech 95-C55, N5852J, Fullerton, CA, July 3, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1990, 16:47 local (23:47 UTC)
- Place: Fullerton, CA
- Location: 33.8720° N, 117.9798° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at FULLERTON MUNI (FUL), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8720&lon=-117.9798&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26858
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA243
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26858/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA243

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO DETECT AN INCORRECT RUDDER TRIM ADJUSTMENT, HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE PRESCRIBED PRE-TAKEOFF INSTRUCTIONS THAT CALL FOR THE TRIM TO BE ADJUSTED. THE COLLISION WITH THE FENCE AND THE INCORRECT RUDDER TRIM ADJUSTMENT WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flt control syst,rudder trim/tab control - incorrect (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

AFTER CONDUCTION HIS WALK AROUND PREFLIGHT CHECK, THE PILOT AND HIS TWO PASSENGERS ENPLANED FOR A MAINTENANCE TEST FLIGHT. THE RUDDER TRIM WAS TRIMMED TO A LEFT 22 DEGREE POSITION. THE AIRCRAFT ACCELERATED TO 95 MPH AND AS THE PILOT APPLIED BACK CONTROL PRESSURE FOR LIFT OFF HE FELT A LOSS OF POWER AND ATTEMPTED TO ABORT THE TAKE OFF. THE AIRCAFT CONTINUED THE GROUND ROLL UNTIL IT IMPACTED A FENCE AND CAREENED ACROSS A STREET BEFORE COMING TO A STOP IN AN UPRIGHT ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5852J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5852J-2013-04-23), registration cancelled 2013-04-23, S/N TE-1, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 95-C55
- Registry model: [Beech 95-C55](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-95-c55) (registry code 1152708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: TE-1
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO520C/CB 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Wings Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: FUL
- Destination: FUL
- Airport: FUL, Fullerton, runway 24, 3,121 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total, 19 in this make and model, 500 as pilot in command, 125 in the last 90 days, 65 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: FUL

## 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 19900703029289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900703029289A), Jul 3, 1990: Beech 95C55, Fullerton, CA, Substantial damage. Began test flight from maintenance with rudder trim near full left. Aborted and ran through fence at end runway.

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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