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Casualties unknown

Propeller Cycling Prompts Glide Landing; Aircraft Lands Short and Rolls into Ravine (N875R)

Gorman, CA, US

On December 27, 1989, a Beech 33 (registration N875R) was involved in an aviation accident near Gorman, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE MALFUNCTIONING PROPELLER GOVERNOR, AND THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF ALTITUDE AND DISTANCE OF THE APPROACH PATH DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise at 7,500 ft, the pilot observed RPM fluctuations and wild prop cycling. Throttling back stabilized the propeller, prompting a glide to an airport. Power lines near the runway were noted. The aircraft landed short on a hill and rolled into a ravine. The prop governor had 235 hours since overhaul.

Event Details

While cruising at an altitude of 7,500 feet, the pilot noticed the engine RPM fluctuating by 50 to 100 RPM. Subsequently, the propeller began cycling erratically, described by the pilot as cycling "wildly." The pilot managed to stabilize the propeller behavior by reducing throttle, and decided to glide the aircraft toward an airport for landing.

Approach and Landing

During the approach to runway 26, the pilot observed power lines crossing the approach path. The aircraft touched down short of the runway, landing on top of a hill. After touchdown, the aircraft rolled into a ravine.

Propeller Governor Information

The pilot reported that the propeller governor had accumulated 235 hours since its last overhaul.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Dec 1989 Beech 33 accident near Gorman, CA?

During cruise at 7,500 ft, the pilot observed RPM fluctuations and wild prop cycling. Throttling back stabilized the propeller, prompting a glide to an airport. Power lines near the runway were noted. The aircraft landed short on a hill and rolled into a ravine. The prop governor had 235 hours since overhaul.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Dec 1989 involved a Beech 33, registration N875R, at Gorman, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE MALFUNCTIONING PROPELLER GOVERNOR, AND THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF ALTITUDE AND DISTANCE OF THE APPROACH PATH DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE POWER LINES ACROSS THE APPROACH PATH TO THE RUNWAY AND THE SURROUNDING TERRAIN CONDITIONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29984. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.