# NTSB LAX91LA330: Beech V-35, N2037W, Minden, NV, July 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1991, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Minden, NV
- Coordinates: 39.009841, -119.749778 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0098&lon=-119.7498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27305
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA330
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27305/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA330

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY ADJUST THE MIXTURE SETTING PRIOR TO LANDING TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE ENGINE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - single engine aircraft
  - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE COMPLETING A PERSONAL CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH, WITH THE ENGINE AT A LOW POWER SETTING, THE ENGINE SUSTAINED TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND ELECTED TO LAND, GEAR UP, IN A FIELD 1500 FEET SHORT OF THE DESTINATION RUNWAY. THE PILOT COMMENTED THAT PERHAPS THE MIXTURE WAS POSSIBLY 'TOO' LEAN. SUBSEQUENT TESTING OF THE ENGINE, AND FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS, FAILED TO REVEAL ANY MALFUNCTION. THE PILOT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE HAD BEEN DENIED BY THE FAA SINCE 1986.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2037W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2037W), registered now, S/N D-7980, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH V-35
- Registry model: [Beech V35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-v35) (registry code 1151538) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-7980
- Airframe hours: 4605
- Engines: CONTINENTAL I0-520-B 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sanford Friezner
- Registered owner: Specialized Testing Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 27, 1990, 44 hours before
- Departed: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; seat: left; flight hours: 3,245 total, 76 in this make and model, 3,140 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 23 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RNO, 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 19910727030219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910727030219A), Jul 27, 1991: Beech V35, Minden, NV, Substantial damage. Engine quit on final. Landed short,gear up. No defects noted. Pilot believes mixture was set too lean.

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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