What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-05-31 involved a Beech A-36, registration N4323W, at Fullerton, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's lack of familiarity with the performance change of the airplane, and the lack of proper training/transition in the modified airplane. Contributing to the accident was inadequate substantiation process and insufficient review by the FAA; the improper weight and balance of the airplane; and the pilot's lack…

Modified Airplane Collides with Street Light After Slow Takeoff (N4323W)

On May 31, 1994, a Beech A-36 (registration N4323W) was involved in an aviation accident near Fullerton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's lack of familiarity with the performance change of the airplane, and the lack of proper training/transition in the modified airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Witnesses observed slow acceleration and failure to climb. The aircraft hit a street light after departing a 3,120 ft runway. It had been modified with a turbonormalized/turbo system and speed brakes. Weight, CG, and fuel system issues were noted.

Accident Event

According to witnesses, the airplane used most of the 3,120-foot-long runway with slow acceleration and failed to establish a positive rate of climb. It subsequently collided with a street light pole less than a mile from the runway.

Aircraft Modifications

The airplane had been modified approximately 9.7 flight hours prior to the accident with an FAA-approved turbonormalized/turbo system and speed brakes.

Pilot Training

According to the company check pilot, the owner/pilot had received 1.5 hours of ground instruction and 1.3 hours of flight checkout on the modification/changes to the airplane.

Weight and Balance Discrepancies

The turbo modification weighed 32 pounds more than reflected in the STC paperwork. The center of gravity (CG) was 3.61 inches forward of the forward limit as the aircraft was loaded. The tip tank fuel CG was in error by 10.9 inches in the STC paperwork. The airplane was over gross weight by 26 pounds.

Engine and Fuel System

The fuel boost pump was found in the ON position, and could have flooded the engine. The spark plugs indicate an over-rich mixture, which could degrade engine performance.

Factors

Factors associated with the installation can cause a degraded takeoff performance at sea level.

1994-05-31: Beech A-36 (N4323W) — Fullerton, CA