# NTSB MKC87LA132: Beech A23-24, N3604Q, Russellville, AR, July 10, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 9, 1987, 21:30 local (Jul 10, 1987, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Russellville, AR
- Coordinates: 35.269828, -93.139305 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2698&lon=-93.1393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34406
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34406/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA132

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission(marked) (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
- Fire, other

## Analysis

DURING THE NIGHT APPROACH, THE PILOT SAW THE REFLECTION OF ORANGE BALLS ON A POWERLINE. HE ADDED POWER AND WENT OVER THE POWERLINE, THEN REDUCED POWER TO LAND AND STALLED THE AIRCRAFT SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE NOSE GEAR BROKE OFF AND THE AIRPLANE SLID 200 FEET. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER SAW A SMALL FIRE UNDER THE NOSE AS THEY LEFT THE AIRPLANE. WITHIN TEN MINUTES THE AIRPLANE BURNED COMPLETELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3604Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A23-24
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MA242
- Airframe hours: 2100
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Paul W.Serfass
- Registered owner: Paul W. Serfass
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, September 19, 1987
- Departed: HOO, BENTONVILLE, AR
- Airport: MO6, Russellville Municipal, runway 7, 4,450 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 372 total, 82 in this make and model, 350 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19870709032659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870709032659A), Jul 9, 1987: Beech A2324, Russellville, AR, Destroyed. Pilot pulled up to clear powerlines reduced power and landed short. Nose gear broke off. Aircraft burned.

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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