Casualties unknown

2001-05-08: Beech BE77 (N3865D) — Riverside, CA

Riverside, CA, US

On May 8, 2001, a Beech BE77 (registration N3865D) was involved in an aviation accident near Riverside, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain appropriate airspeed and to configure the airplane for climb-out. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot practicing emergency landings over Lake Mathews encountered turbulence, lost altitude, and made a forced landing in rough terrain, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Incident Details

A student pilot was conducting practice maneuvers over and around Lake Mathews, California. According to the pilot, he had been performing ground reference maneuvers and several power-on and power-off stalls before deciding to practice emergency landings. He stated that he was familiar with the procedure and had completed similar exercises multiple times without issue.

The first emergency landing attempt was successful. On the second attempt, during the climb-out with flaps fully extended and full power applied, the aircraft encountered turbulence from the right, which raised the right wing and caused a loss of altitude. The pilot regained control using aileron and rudder inputs but realized that the aircraft was not climbing and instead continued to lose altitude. He noted that he never regained enough altitude to retract the flaps.

Subsequently, the pilot made a forced landing in rough terrain and thick brush. During the landing, the aircraft collided with a bush and nosed over.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The source provides no details on the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or operator. The pilot was a student pilot practicing solo. No information is available regarding occupants, injuries, or damage extent. The time of day, weather conditions, and air traffic control involvement are not specified in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010518X00961. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.