# NTSB SEA86FA046: Cessna 401, N988JM, S. Lake Tahoe, CA, January 27, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 27, 1986, 07:20 local (15:20 UTC)
- Place: S. Lake Tahoe, CA
- Location: 38.9282° N, 119.9810° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of South Lake Tahoe, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9282&lon=-119.9810&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): 40266
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86FA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40266/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86FA046

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft preflight - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - temperature extremes (contributing factor)
  - miscellaneous - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - aircraft performance,engine out capability - deteriorated (contributing factor)
  - ice/frost removal from aircraft - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - gear extension - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - propeller feathering - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACFT TOOK OFF IN CLEAR WX BUT BELOW-FREEZING TEMPS WITH HEAVY FROST ON ACFT SURFACES. NO PREFLIGHT, RUN-UP OR WARM-UP PERFORMED. ON INITIAL CLIMB, LEFT ENG POWER LOSS OCCURRED FOR UNDET REASON, BUT PROBABLY ASSOCIATED WITH TEMP/COLD ENG OPERATION. PLT TURNED INTO DEAD ENGINE IN APPARENT COURSE REVERSAL, FAILED TO FEATHER PROPELLER AND LOWERED LNDG GEAR DURING TURN. ACFT STALLED, ROLLED INVERTED AND CRASHED INTO RESIDENTIAL AREA. ENGINE TEARDOWN REVEALED NO MECHNICAL DEFECTS. POST-MORTEM AND TOX TESTS REVEALED NO PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPAIRMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N988JM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N988JM-2013-05-30), registration cancelled 2013-05-30, S/N 401-0305, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 401
- Registry model: [Cessna 401](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-401) (registry code 207590C) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 0305
- Airframe hours: 5860
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-E 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles R. Maddox
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 4, 1985
- Departed: TVL, S. LAKE TAHOE, CA
- Destination: SGU, ST. GEORGE, UT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,400 total, 35 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 21 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Observed at: TVL, 2 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 19860127001409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860127001409A), Jan 27, 1986: Cessna 401, S Lake Tahoe, CA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Failed deice or warm engines prior takeoff. Lost left engine. Failed feather turned into dead engine. Rolled over.

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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