# NTSB MKC90FA101: Beech J-35, N7242B, Pine Bluff, AR, April 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 30, 1990, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Pine Bluff, AR
- Coordinates: 34.209861, -92.010673 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2099&lon=-92.0107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 2, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34883
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90FA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34883/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90FA101

## Probable cause

AIRCRAFT STALL, FROM WHICH RECOVERY WAS NOT ACHIEVED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS PRACTICING FOR HIS COMMERCIAL FLIGHT TEST, IN HIS OWN AIRPLANE. WHEN THE AIRPLANE DID NOT RETURN TO ITS DEPARTURE AIRPORT, A SEARCH WAS INITIATED. THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND 5 DAYS LATER IN A HEAVILY WOODED AREA. IT HAD IMPACTED IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF PRE-IMPACT STRUCTURAL FAILURE. PRE-IMPACT CONTINUITY WAS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SURFACES. THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS OF A PRE-IMPACT ENGINE PROBLEM. WEATHER 15 NM AWAY WAS VERY GOOD VMC, AND THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE WEATHER MIGHT HAVE BEEN A FACTOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7242B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7242B-1990-12-29), registration cancelled 1990-12-29, S/N D5582 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH J-35
- Registry model: [Beech J35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-j35) (registry code 1151522) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D5582
- Airframe hours: 4434
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-C 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ralph L. Self
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 27, 1989, 152 hours before
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 955 total, 47 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 27 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PBF, 15 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 19900430013979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900430013979A), Apr 30, 1990: Beech J35, Pine Bluff, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Vertical impact in a swamp. Indicated engine running but aircraft in a stall, was practicing for commerical rating.

## Other investigations on N7242B (1)

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 MKC76FCG53](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC76FCG53), Feb 23, 1976: Beech J35 (N7242B), Kimberlng City, MO, substantial damage

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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