# NTSB NYC84FA117: Beech C23, N23968, Champion, PA, March 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 24, 1984, 16:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Champion, PA
- Coordinates: 40.04055, -79.320075 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0406&lon=-79.3201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35327
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84FA117
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35327/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84FA117

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - slush covered (contributing factor)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

N23968, CRASHED INTO TREES SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FROM RWY 27 AT SEVEN SPRINGS AIRPORT. PLT TOLD THE RESORT MANAGER OF SEVEN SPRINGS THAT HE COULD NOT SEEM TO GET AIRBORNE & AFTER HE DID GET AIRBORNE HE COULD NOT CLEAR THE TREES. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ACFT WAS OVER MAX GROSS WT AT TAKEOFF. THE RWY WAS REPORTED TO BE SLUSH COVERED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N23968](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N23968-2012-10-16), registration cancelled 2012-10-16, S/N M-1906, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C23
- Registry model: [Beech C23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c23) (registry code 1151242) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M1906
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Allegheny Beech
- Registered owner: James M. Royston
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 21, 1984
- Departed: AGC, WEST MIFFLIN, PA
- Airport: 7SP, Seven Springs, runway 27, 3,050 × 42 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 454 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AGC, 34 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 19840324076199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840324076199A), Mar 24, 1984: Beech C23, Champion, PA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Unable to climb after liftoff from slushy runway. Aircraft overgross. Struck trees and burned on impact.

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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