# NTSB SEA91FA157: Beech V35B, N6036E, Roche Harbor, WA, July 7, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 6, 1991, 23:40 local (Jul 7, 1991, 06:40 UTC)
- Place: Roche Harbor, WA
- Coordinates: 48.52927, -123.060462 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.5293&lon=-123.0605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41326
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91FA157
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41326/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA157

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PLAN HIS TAKEOFF PATH TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. THE RISING TERRAIN AND DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITIONS WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE NIGHT TAKEOFF WAS TOWARD RISING TERRAIN AND TREES. THE AIRPLANE FIRST STRUCK A TREE APRX 200 FT NORTH OF THE RUNWAY CENTERLINE AND APRX 150 FT FROM THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. IT THEN STRUCK A RESIDENCE AND A PICKUP TRUCK. A PILOT WITNESS STATED THE ENGINE SOUNDED NORMAL. LOCAL PILOTS REPORT THAT TAKEOFF IS NORMALLY TO THE WEST OVER THE HARBOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6036E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6036E-2015-05-11), registration cancelled 2015-05-11, S/N D-10272, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH V35B
- Registry model: [Beech V35B](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-v35b) (registry code 1151548) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D10272
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-BB 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David J. Mees
- Registered owner: David J. Mees
- Destination: PALO ALTO, CA
- Airport: 9S1, Roche Harbor, runway 6, 4,300 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,033 total, 320 in this make and model, 100 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- 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 19910706026129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910706026129A), Jul 6, 1991: Beech V35B, Roche Harbor, WA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Struck trees off side of runway on night takeoff. Crashed and burned. Normal takeoff was rwy 24 over lighted Harbor

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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