On April 22, 1987, a Beech 35-A33 (registration N573T) operated by Ryan, Thomas J. was involved in an aviation accident near Novato, CA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted takeoff after smoke from an electrical short filled the cockpit. Despite braking, the aircraft lost effectiveness and struck a ditch after the pilot and passenger believed they could stop on the remaining runway.
Accident Sequence
During the takeoff roll on a 3,360-foot runway, the pilot aborted the attempt before becoming airborne at a point near midfield. The pilot reported smoke in the cockpit originating from an electrical short of unreported origin. Both the pilot and the pilot-rated passenger believed they would be able to stop on the remaining runway length. However, the pilot stated that the aircraft lost braking effectiveness, and it subsequently collided with a ditch beyond the runway end.
Aftermath
Following the accident, the pilot made a safety recommendation that included inspecting brake pads during preflight and relining them if not working perfectly. The passenger occupying the right seat remarked that the pilot had failed to perform a preflight inspection of the aircraft before the flight.
What happened in the 22 Apr 1987 Beech 35-A33 accident near Novato, CA?
A pilot aborted takeoff after smoke from an electrical short filled the cockpit. Despite braking, the aircraft lost effectiveness and struck a ditch after the pilot and passenger believed they could stop on the remaining runway.
Were there any fatalities in the 22 Apr 1987 Beech 35-A33 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Apr 1987 involved a Beech 35-A33, registration N573T, operated by Ryan, Thomas J., at Novato, CA.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…