# NTSB NYC92LA136: Beech N35, N1211Z, Middletown, NY, June 30, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 30, 1992, 12:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Middletown, NY
- Coordinates: 41.439708, -74.420387 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4397&lon=-74.4204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37187
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37187/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA136

## Probable cause

IMPROPER ALTITUDE CONTROL BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH TREES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN AT A LOWER THAN NORMAL ALTITUDE AND BEING OPERATED IN AN ERRATIC MANNER. THE AIRPLANE DROPPED BELOW A TREE LINE AND THEN REAPPEARED STRIKING THE TREES AND THE GROUND BEYOND. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION FOUND FUEL IN BOTH WING TANKS AND NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRPLANE. THE 83 YEAR OLD PILOT HAD CHECKED OUT OF THE NURSING HOME WHERE HE WAS A RESIDENT TO FLY HIS AIRPLANE TO AN AIRPORT FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTION. THE AUTOPSY DISCLOSED AN OLD MYOCARDIAL INFARCT; HOWEVER, NO ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTS WERE OBSERVED. IN ADDITION, THE PILOT HAD DIFFUSE MALIGNANT LYMPHOMA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1211Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1211Z-2012-06-12), registration cancelled 2012-06-12, S/N D-6681, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH N35
- Registry model: [Beech N35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-n35) (registry code 1151528) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-6681
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-N 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert Dehls
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MGJ, MONTGOMERY, NY
- Airport: 06N, runway 26, 2,797 × 25 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 83; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,132 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19920630022669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920630022669A), Jun 30, 1992: Beech N35, Middletown, NY, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Observed low and erratic in pattern struck trees. No anomalies. Checked out of nursing home to be able to fly.

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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