On August 23, 1987, a Beech C-55 (registration N3784Q) operated by Palm Springs Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Salton City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain engine power during climb, which resulted in a spin and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A ground witness reported an aircraft climbing with gear down before engine power decreased, leading to a spin and collision with terrain. Propeller examination revealed one blade was feathered.
What happened
A ground observer noted an aircraft at a low altitude while it was climbing, with its landing gear fully extended. The witness reported hearing the engine sounds diminish significantly just before watching the aircraft roll over into a spin. During the maneuver, the aircraft rolled inverted during one of the spinning turns but managed to return to an upright attitude before ultimately colliding with the terrain.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the propellers indicated that the left propeller was feathered. A subsequent inspection of the engines did not disclose any malfunctions.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain engine power during climb, which resulted in a spin and collision with terrain.