# NTSB WPR11LA361: Beech 76, N6718X, Perris, CA, July 30, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 30, 2011, 08:25 local (15:25 UTC) - Place: Perris, CA - Coordinates: 33.755001, -117.216667 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7550&lon=-117.2167&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor, 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 12, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 81364 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR11LA361 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/81364/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81364 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA361 ## Probable cause The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control and the resulting encounter with an aerodynamic stall. Also causal were the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and preflight inspection, his failure to ensure the pitch trim was positioned correctly for takeoff, his decision to operate the airplane over maximum allowable gross weight, and his attempt to operate the airplane with a center of gravity aft of the rear CG limit. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Aircraft capability: maximum weight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 76, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 152 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: cG/weight distribution](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 76, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 66 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040/cases.md) - [Flight control system: elevator tab control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022731): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 76, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022731/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022731/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 76, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: weight/balance calculations](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 76, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 110 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061015/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 76, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Wind: tailwind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Not specified; cases with it: [Beech 76, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 594 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Aircraft loading event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/010); cases with it: [Beech 76, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/010/sequence.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 84 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/010/sequence.md) - [Prior to flight: Preflight or dispatch event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030); cases with it: [Beech 76, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 355 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241) (defining event); cases with it: [Beech 76, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Beech 76, 18 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=1153005), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis According to the pilot, he loaded the airplane to near its maximum certificated gross weight before departing from near the 5,100-foot-long runway's midfield location. The pilot selected runway 15, which had a 6-knot tailwind component at the time of the attempted takeoff. During the engine run-up, no mechanical discrepancies were noted. The engine attained full power before the pilot released the brakes to commence the takeoff roll. Prior to reaching the prescribed rotation airspeed, the airplane's nose pitched up and the airplane became airborne. The pilot reported that he continued attempting to maintain control of the airplane while in ground effect. The airplane then climbed above ground effect, and the left cockpit door inadvertently opened. Just as the pilot closed the door, the airplane stalled, impacted an estimated 6-foot high dirt berm, and crashed into an open field about 1,000 feet south of the runway's departure end. During the postaccident examination, about 40 gallons of fuel were found in each of the two wing tanks, for a total of 80 gallons onboard at the time of the accident. The elevator trim tab was found in the full nose-up position, and examination of that system disclosed normal function. All of the items from the baggage compartment were removed and weighed on a scale; the baggage compartment contents weighed 288 pounds, which is 88 pounds above the compartment limit. Using the airplane’s empty weight and center of gravity listed in the weight and balance section of the airplane flight manual (AFM), the actual weights of the occupants, the fuel load found on the airplane, and the weight of the baggage compartment contents, the investigation determined that the airplane’s gross weight at the accident site was 4,173.41 pounds, with a center of gravity (CG) 117.9 inches aft of the datum. The AFM and the FAA-approved Type Certificate Data sheet list the maximum allowable gross weight as 3,900 pounds with an aft CG limit at 117.5 inches. Airplanes at or aft of the rear CG limit are very sensitive in pitch control, and may even be at or near a dynamically unstable flight regime in terms of pitch handling and dampening characteristics. Accordingly, the airplane would have been especially sensitive to the full nose-up trim tab adjustment. Additionally, stall speeds increase as gross weight increases, so in the takeoff condition the airplane would have stalled at a higher airspeed, sooner than the pilot would have normally experienced and expected. ## Factual narrative On July 30, 2011, about 0825 Pacific daylight time, a Beech 76 (Duchess), N6718X, impacted terrain during initial climb seconds after takeoff from runway 15 at the Perris Valley Airport, Perris, California. Of the four occupants on board the airplane, the private pilot was seriously injured, one passenger received minor injuries, and two passengers were not injured. The airplane's fuselage and wings were deformed during the impact, and the airplane was substantially damaged. California Flight Center, Inc., Long Beach, California, operated the airplane and had rented it to the pilot for his personal flight. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed for the planned cross-country flight to Paso Robles, California. The flight was originating at the time of the crash. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and was familiar with the airplane's takeoff performance and runway distance requirements. According to the pilot, he loaded the airplane to near its maximum certificated gross weight, and he elected to depart from near the 5,100-foot-long runway's mid-field location. The pilot stated that he adhered to the prescribed procedures written in the airplane's check lists. During the engine run-up, no mechanical discrepancies were noted. Full engine power was attained, the brakes were released, and the takeoff roll commenced. However, prior to reaching the prescribed rotation airspeed, the airplane's nose pitched up, and the airplane became airborne. The pilot further reported that he continued attempting to maintain control of the airplane while in ground effect. The airplane climbed over one wingspan above the ground. When the left side cockpit door inadvertently opened, he was able to close it. Thereafter, the airplane stalled, impacted an estimated 6-foot high dirt berm, and crashed into an open field about 1,000 feet south of the runway's departure end. The winds at a nearby airport 6 miles away was from 330 degrees at 6 knots a the time of the accident. FAA inspectors from the Riverside, California, Flight Standards District Office responded to the accident site. The Chief Pilot for the operator also responded to assist in the recovery and removal of the aircraft from the site. About 40 gallons of fuel were found in each of the two wing tanks, for a total of 80 gallons onboard at the time of the accident. The elevator trim tab was found in the full nose up position, and examination of the system disclosed normal function. The FAA inspectors removed all the items from the baggage compartment and weighed them on a scale; the baggage compartment contents weighed 288 pounds. The baggage compartment structural limit is listed as 200 pounds in the airplane flight manual (AFM). Utilizing the aircraft empty weight and center of gravity listed in theweight and balance section of the AFM, the actual weights of the occupants, the fuel load found on the airplane, and the weight of the baggage compartment contents, the inspectors determined that the aircraft gross weight at the accident site was 4,173.41 pounds with a center of gravity at 117.9 inches aft of the datum. The AFM and the FAA approved Type Certificate Data sheet lists the maximum allowable gross weight as 3,900 pounds with an aft center of gravity limit at 117.5 inches. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6718X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6718X-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N ME-348, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BEECH 76 - Registry model: [Beech 76](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-76) (registry code 1153005) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: ME-348 - Airframe hours: 3493 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A1G6D 180 horsepower reciprocating; Lycoming O-360-A1G6D 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: California Flight Center, Inc. - Registered owner: Mustang Sally Aviation LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 3, 2010 - Departed: L65, Perris, CA - Destination: PRB, Pasa Robles, CA - Airport: L65, Perris Valley, runway 15, 5,100 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 26; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 120 total, 8 in this make and model, 78 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 59 °F - Altimeter: 29.96 inHg - Observed at: RIV, 8 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 20110730017289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110730017289A), Jul 30, 2011: Beech 76, Perris, CA, Substantial damage. N6718X, a BE-76, crashed on takeoff runway 15 at Perris valley airport (L65). Aircraft came to rest 800 feet from departure end of runway 15. The 4 persons on… ## Other investigations on N6718X (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 LAX82DA363](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA363), Sep 30, 1982: Beech 76 (N6718X), Big Sur, CA, substantial damage ## Docket (18 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 11, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81364. 19.0 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383439&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Accident Site Map (item 2, .PDF, 100 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383442&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Site%20Map-Master.PDF - Perris Airport and Accident Site Map (item 3, .PDF, 120 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383445&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Perris%20Airport%20and%20Accident%20Site%20Map-Master.PDF - Meteorological Information (item 4, .PDF, 156 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383443&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Meteorological%20Information-Master.PDF - March ARB Weather - July 30, 2011 (item 5, .PDF, 333 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383444&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=March%20ARB%20Weather%20-%20July%2030,%202011-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation (item 6, .PDF, 204 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383440&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation-Redacted.PDF - Telecom with Matt Bennett (item 7, .PDF, 196 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383441&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Telecom%20with%20Matt%20Bennett-Master.PDF - Beech Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A29CE (item 8, .PDF, 31 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383446&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Beech%20Type%20Certificate%20Data%20Sheet%20No.%20A29CE-Master.PDF - Weight and Balance (item 9, .PDF, 78 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383447&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weight%20and%20Balance-Redacted.PDF - California Flight Center Summary submitted by Lisa Marshall (item 10, .PDF, 112 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383448&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=California%20Flight%20Center%20Summary%20submitted%20by%20Lisa%20Marshall-Redacted.PDF - Aircraft Maintenance Logs (item 11, .PDF, 2.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383510&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Maintenance%20Logs-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1. Aircraft at accident site. Note the elevator trim tab position. (item 12, .PDF, 2.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383451&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201.%20Aircraft%20at%20accident%20site.%20Note%20the%20elevator%20trim%20tab%20position.-Master.PDF - Photo 2. Left side view of aircraft. (item 13, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383452&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202.%20Left%20side%20view%20of%20aircraft.-Master.PDF - Photo 3. Detail view of elevator trim tab position. (item 14, .PDF, 1.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383453&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203.%20Detail%20view%20of%20elevator%20trim%20tab%20position.-Master.PDF - Photo 4. Another view of elevator trim tab position. (item 15, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383456&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204.%20Another%20view%20of%20elevator%20trim%20tab%20position.-Master.PDF - Photo 5. View of left propeller blades. (item 16, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383459&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205.%20View%20of%20left%20propeller%20blades.-Master.PDF - Photo 6. View of right propeller blades. (item 17, .PDF, 2.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383460&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%206.%20View%20of%20right%20propeller%20blades.-Master.PDF - Photo 7. View of baggage compartment contents removed from aircraft and weighed by FAA Inspectors. (item 18, .PDF, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40383462&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%207.%20View%20of%20baggage%20compartment%20contents%20removed%20from%20aircraft%20and%20weighed%20by%20FAA%20Inspectors.-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.