On June 28, 1996, a Beech B35 (registration N8860A) operated by David L. Williams was involved in an aviation accident near Portales, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure by maintenance personnel to perform proper maintenance on the aircraft during an annual inspection, and failure to comply with an airworthiness directive. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a descent after a cross-country flight, the pilot experienced a high-speed buffet at normal speed. Slowing the aircraft stopped the buffet. Post-landing inspection found the right stabilizer bent and twisted. The stabilizers were out of balance. Required maintenance was not performed or was done improperly, and an airworthiness directive for the BE-35 had not been complied with during the last annual inspection.
Incident Description
The pilot was conducting a descent for landing at the destination airport following a cross-country flight. During this descent, he encountered a phenomenon he described as a high-speed buffet. At the time, the aircraft's speed was within the normal range. The pilot responded by slowing the aircraft, and the buffet ceased. After landing, the pilot performed a visual inspection of the aircraft and observed that the right stabilizer was bent and twisted.
Inspection Findings
Further inspection of the aircraft revealed that the stabilizers were out of balance. It was also found that required maintenance had either not been performed or had been performed improperly. Moreover, an examination of the aircraft records showed that an airworthiness directive applicable to the BE-35 had not been complied with during the annual inspection that occurred approximately 11 flight hours prior to this flight.
What happened in the 28 Jun 1996 Beech B35 accident near Portales, NM?
During a descent after a cross-country flight, the pilot experienced a high-speed buffet at normal speed. Slowing the aircraft stopped the buffet. Post-landing inspection found the right stabilizer bent and twisted. The stabilizers were out of balance. Required maintenance was not performed or was done improperly,…
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jun 1996 Beech B35 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jun 1996 involved a Beech B35, registration N8860A, operated by David L. Williams, at Portales, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure by maintenance personnel to perform proper maintenance on the aircraft during an annual inspection, and failure to comply with an airworthiness directive.
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