# NTSB SEA85LA227: Beech J35, N8245D, Ontario, OR, September 26, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1985, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Ontario, OR
- Coordinates: 44.079467, -117.009826 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0795&lon=-117.0098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40249
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA227
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40249/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA227

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - starvation
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS FLYING THE ACFT AT A LOW ALT FOR THE PURPOSE OF SPOTTING GAME. THE ENG CEASED OPERATING SHORTLY AFTER SWITCHING FUEL TANKS. THE PLT STATED DURING A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW THAT HE INADVERTENTLY SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR TO THE OFF POSITION. THE ACFT WAS TOO LOW FOR AN EFFECTIVE RESTART AND A FORCED LANDING ENSUED. THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED DURING THE LANDING ROLL DUE TO ROUGH TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8245D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8245D-1989-03-16), registration cancelled 1989-03-16, S/N D5339 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH J35
- Registry model: [Beech J35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-j35) (registry code 1151522) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-5339
- Airframe hours: 3496
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470-C 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Floyd D. Wood
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 20, 1985
- Departed: HOMEDALE, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,003 total, 751 in this make and model, 942 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19850926048109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850926048109A), Sep 26, 1985: Beech J35, Ontario, OR, Substantial damage. Switched fuel tanks while flying low looking for game. Engine quit, landed in rocky area. Fuel selector on off.

## Other investigations on N8245D (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 NYC66F0088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC66F0088), Jun 24, 1965: Beechcraft J-35 (N8245D), Amityville, NY, 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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