On May 16, 1991, a Beech A36 (registration N6724T) operated by John L. Ronacher was involved in an aviation accident near Rawlins, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT, HIS LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND A PREMATURE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Pilot of Beech A36 experienced dropping engine gauge readings, attributed to alternator failure. After unsuccessful standby generator attempt, he dead-reckoned to Rawlins, Wyoming, and landed short of the runway due to perceived inadequate engine power.
Flight and System Failure
The pilot of a Beech A36 was flying above an overcast cloud layer when he observed that the readings on the engine gauges were declining. He concluded that the alternator had malfunctioned. His subsequent attempt to engage the standby generator was unsuccessful.
Navigation and Approach
After the electrical system failure, the pilot navigated by dead reckoning to Rawlins, Wyoming. He initiated a let-down through the clouds to approach the airport. During the descent, he believed that the engine was not producing sufficient power.
Landing
The pilot continued the approach but landed short of the runway. The landing occurred after he determined that the engine was not delivering adequate power for a normal touchdown on the runway surface.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 May 1991 Beech A36 accident near Rawlins, WY?
Pilot of Beech A36 experienced dropping engine gauge readings, attributed to alternator failure. After unsuccessful standby generator attempt, he dead-reckoned to Rawlins, Wyoming, and landed short of the runway due to perceived inadequate engine power.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 May 1991 involved a Beech A36, registration N6724T, operated by John L. Ronacher, at Rawlins, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT, HIS LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND A PREMATURE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE AND THE RESULTANT FALSE READINGS OF THE POWERPLANT INSTRUMENTS.
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…