# NTSB SEA87LA050: Beech B23, N6076N, Alderwood Manor, WA, January 29, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 28, 1987, 17:15 local (Jan 29, 1987, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: Alderwood Manor, WA
- Coordinates: 47.800109, -122.280502 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8001&lon=-122.2805&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40587
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40587/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA050

## Analysis

THE PILOT, AFTER EXHAUSTING ALL FUEL IN ONE TANK, FAILED TO SELECT THE REMAINING FUEL TANK DURING HIS APPROACH. HIS UNFAMILIARITY WITH THE MAKE/MODEL OF THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT IS CONSIDERED A FACTOR IN HIS FAILING TO LOCATE THE FUEL SELECTOR AND SWITCHING TO THE APPROPRIATE FUEL TANK. OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE FORM OF TREES AND A FENCE AS WELL AS DUSK LIGHTING CONDITIONS ALL SERVED TO COMPROMISE THE FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - not selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6076N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6076N-2015-05-08), registration cancelled 2015-05-08, S/N M-1169, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH B23
- Registry model: [Beech B23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-b23) (registry code 1151240) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M-11169
- Airframe hours: 1675
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jeffrey A Van Deren
- Registered owner: H. P. Frisch
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 20, 1985
- Departed: S88, ARLINGTON, WA
- Destination: S13, ALDERWOOD MANOR, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 188 total, 2 in this make and model, 162 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Dusk
- Wind: 130° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PAE

## 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 19870128001919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870128001919A), Jan 28, 1987: Beech B23BEECH, Alderwood Manor, WA, Destroyed. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion. The aircraft struck trees and a fence during landing.

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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