# NTSB NYC89FA033: Beech A35, N8697A, Shirley, NY, November 18, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 18, 1988, 15:46 local (20:46 UTC)
- Place: Shirley, NY
- Coordinates: 40.790691, -72.87088 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7907&lon=-72.8709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 16, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36259
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89FA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36259/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA033

## Probable cause

LOSS OF CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF, DUE TO THE FAILURE (SEPARATION) OF THE RIGHT RUDDER CONTROL CABLE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS IMPROPER INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CABLE.

## 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
  - flt control syst,rudder control cable/rod - corroded (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - flt control syst,rudder control cable/rod - separation (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT MADE A STEEP CLIMB ON TAKEOFF, TURNED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT, AND SPIRALED TO THE GROUND. THE RIGHT RUDDER CABLE WAS FOUND SEPARATED UNDER THE FUEL TANK. THE CABLE STRANDS IN THE AREA OF THE SEPARATION WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CORROSION COMPLETELY CONSUMED MANY OF THE WIRES. ONLY A FEW RECOGNIZABLE FRACTURES WERE FOUND ON THE WIRES AND THESE FRACTURES APPEARED TYPICAL OF OVER STRESS SEPARATIONS. THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE ACFT WAS PERFORMED 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8697A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8697A-2013-05-15), registration cancelled 2013-05-15, S/N D-2107, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A35
- Registry model: [Beech A35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a35) (registry code 1151504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-2107
- Airframe hours: 4645
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-185-11 185 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles S. Stewart, III
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 23, 1988
- Airport: 1N1, Brookhaven, runway 33, 4,325 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 456 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 300° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FOK, 10 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 19881118051349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881118051349A), Nov 18, 1988: Beech STC35, Shirley, NY, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Lost control on climb out and spiraled to impact. Found corroded rudder cable separated.

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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