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.
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.