# NTSB SEA85FA122: Beech V35, N3778Q, Spokane, WA, May 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 24, 1985, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Spokane, WA
- Coordinates: 47.649356, -117.369102 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6494&lon=-117.3691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40046
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA122
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40046/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA122

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,pump - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - fuel boost pump selector position - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience in type operation, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training(emergency procedure(s)), pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, takeoff - initial climb
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER WHAT APPEARED TO BE A NORMAL TAKEOFF AND INITIAL CLIMB, WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT LEVEL OFF AT ABOUT 200 FT AGL AND SOME HEARD SOUNDS OF POWER CESSATION. ACFT WAS OBERVED TO COMMENCE A LEFT TURN DURING WHICH THE BANK INCREASED TO AN EXCESSIVE ANGLE. THE ACFT PITCHED NOSE DOWN AND CRASHED IN A GRAVEL PARKING LOT IN AN INDUSTRIAL AREA OF THE CITY. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ENGINE-DRIVEN FUEL PUMP SHAFT HAD FAILED AT THE MANUFACTURED SHEAR POINT DUE TO BINDING OF THE PUMP BLADES AGAINST THE BORE. NO FOREIGN MATERIAL WAS FOUND IN THE BORE BUT A SMALL SILVER OF BLACK RUBBER WAS FOUND ON THE PUMP RELIEF VALVE POPPET. ENGINE FUEL HOSES HAD BEEN REPLACED PRIOR TO THIS FLIGHT. BOOST PUMP SWITCH FOUND IN 'OFF' POSITION. PREVIOUS ACFT OWNED BY PLT HAD FUEL BOOST PUMP SWITCH LOCATED IN DIFFERENT POSITION IN COCKPIT. PLT/OWNER AT CONTROLS NOT MEDICALLY CERTIFICATED. PIC IN RT SEAT NOT CURRENT IN MAKE/MODEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3778Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH V35
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D8408
- Airframe hours: 2815
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John B. Mackay
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 5, 1984, 103 hours before
- Departed: SFF
- Destination: YKA, KAMLOOPS, OF
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,380 total, 5 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 27.00 inHg
- Observed at: SFF, 25 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 19850524020649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850524020649A), May 24, 1985: Beech V35, Spokane, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Engine driven fuel pump failed after takeoff, aux fuel pump not used. Impacted ground. Aircraft loaded with aft CG.

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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