# NTSB LAX94LA320: Beech 77, N6702Y, Salinas, CA, August 13, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1994, 13:16 local (20:16 UTC)
- Place: Salinas, CA
- Coordinates: 36.669677, -121.61 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6697&lon=-121.6100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 27, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28826
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA320
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28826/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA320

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to raise the flaps prior to takeoff, and subsequent loss of directional control.  A lack of total experience was a factor.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - raising of flaps - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - sign

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS PRACTICING LANDINGS ON HIS SECOND SOLO FLIGHT. HIS INTENTION WAS TO MAKE THREE FULL STOP LANDINGS, TAXIING BACK FOR EACH TAKEOFF. DURING PREPARATION FOR THE THIRD SOLO TAKEOFF THE PILOT DID NOT RAISE THE FLAPS. DURING THE TAKEOFF THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT HIT A RUNWAY SIGN AND CONTINUED INTO THE GRASSY AREA BESIDE THE RUNWAY WHERE THE WING WAS DAMAGED.

## Factual narrative

On August 13, 1994, at 1316 Pacific daylight time, a Beech BE-77, N6702Y, collided with a runway sign following a loss of control while taking off on runway 31 at Salinas Airport, Salinas, California.  The student pilot, performing supervised solo pattern work, was not injured.  The airplane sustained substantial damage.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The pilot reported that he forgot to raise the flaps prior to takeoff.  He was not able to keep the airplane on the centerline and drifted to the left.  The left wing struck the runway length distance marker.  He then proceeded across the grass to the taxiway.

The student's flight instructor provided in a written statement that he observed "one of the wings high" while watching the student's takeoff roll.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6702Y (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 77
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: WA43
- Airframe hours: 1751
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Same As Registered Owner
- Registered owner: Michael Bateman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 25, 1994, 17 hours before
- Departed: SNS
- Destination: SNS, CA
- Airport: SNS, Salinas, runway 31, 4,825 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 23 total, 23 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SNS

## 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 19940813021529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940813021529A), Aug 13, 1994: Beech 77, Salinas, CA, Substantial damage. Tried to takeoff with full flaps. Drifted off runway striking runway marker.

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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