# NTSB LAX91FA270: Beech T-34A, N45GD, Redding, CA, June 22, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1991, 15:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Redding, CA
- Coordinates: 40.600284, -122.459762 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6003&lon=-122.4598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27008
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91FA270
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27008/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA270

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN AN ALTITUDE TO PERMIT THE AIRCRAFT TO COMPLETE THE AEROBATIC MANEUVER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THREE BEECH T-34A AIRCRAFT WERE IN A TRAIL FORMATION AS THEY ENTERED A LEFT AILERON ROLL, AT AN ALTITUDE OF 300 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, DURING AN AIR SHOW.  THE THIRD AIRCRAFT IN THE FORMATION WAS LOWER THAN THE TWO LEAD AIRCRAFT AS THEY ENTERED THE ROLL.  THE LEAD AIRCRAFT COMPLETED THE MANEUVER WITHOUT INCIDENT.  THE THIRD AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AS IT COMPLETED THE ROLL.  DEBRIS FROM THE WRECKAGE STRUCK SPECTATORS THAT WERE LOCATED BEHIND THE CROWD LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N45GD (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH T-34A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: G732
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO520BA 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Drysdale, Gordona
- Registered owner: Drysdale, Gordona
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1991
- Airport: Redding Muni, runway 16, 7,003 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 807 total, 652 in this make and model, 670 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 28.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDP, 1 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 19910622023289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910622023289A), Jun 22, 1991: Beech T34A, Redding, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Lost control in aileron roll,impacted runway. Engine and debris injured spectators behind a snow fence barrier.

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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