# NTSB MKC85LA178: Boeing E75, N3994B, Fairfield, IA, August 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 7, 1985, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Fairfield, IA
- Coordinates: 40.999847, -91.959381 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9998&lon=-91.9594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34004
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA178
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34004/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA178

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - distance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

A BEECH BARON DEPARTED JUST PRIOR TO N3994B. N3994B WAS HEAVILY LOADED AND ENCOUNTERED TURBLENCE AFTER LIFTING OFF. THE ACFT DRIFTED TO THE RT UNTIL IT WAS OVER A CORN FIELD ABOUT 100 FT TO THE RT OF THE RWY. THE PLT TRIED TO CORRECT BACK TO THE RWY BUT THE ACFT SETTLED TO THE GROUND, HIT A FURROW AND NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3994B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3994B), registered now, S/N 75-5440, built 1943 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING E75
- Registry model: [Boeing E75](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-e75) (registry code 1380120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-5440
- Engines: P&W WASP JR. 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Ray Aerial Spray, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 23, 1985, 46 hours before
- Airport: FFL, Fairfield, runway 35, 4,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 3,898 total, 1,300 in this make and model, 218 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OTM, 21 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 19850807036969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850807036969A), Aug 7, 1985: Boeing E75, Fairfield, IA, Substantial damage. Encountered wake turbulence from twin and drifted on climbout. Aircraft settled beside runway. Left main gear broke

## Other investigations on N3994B (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 FTW71FRA49](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW71FRA49), May 1, 1971: Boeing E75 (N3994B), Fannett, TX, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW70FRA15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW70FRA15), May 2, 1970: Boeing E75 (N3994B), Deweyville, TX, substantial damage, 1 fatal

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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