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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 22, 1999 · Wells BABY Lakes · N92JW

Monroe, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Monroe, WA
Aircraft
Wells BABY Lakes
Tail Number
N92JW
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA99LA054

The aircraft was observed maneuvering approximately 40 feet above the ground. During a climbing right turn, the aircraft abruptly nosed over and spiraled to the ground. The aircraft came to rest in a open field approximately 4 miles west of the departure airport. A calculated weight and balance, using the most current data, revealed an aft center of gravity for the aircraft. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was attempting to fly the airplane outside of its weight and balance limits.

Full Narrative

On April 22, 1999, approximately 1208 Pacific daylight time, a Wells Baby Lakes, N92JW, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged after it collided with the ground near a private airstrip in Monroe, Washington. The aircraft was being operated as a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. There was no fire and no report of an ELT actuating. The flight originated from the Firstair Airfield, Monroe, Washington, approximately 45 minutes prior to the accident. A witness, located approximately one mile east of the accident site, reported seeing a red biplane flying "quite low over our farm." The witness stated it appeared the aircraft was practicing touch and go landings, "but never quite touching the ground." The aircraft continued to maneuver in the area for approximately 20 minutes. The witness reported that the aircraft was maneuvering approximately 40 feet above the ground when it abruptly nosed over and spiraled into the ground. The most current weight and balance data for the aircraft, dated May 02, 1992, showed a basic empty weight of 579.5 pounds. According to the aircraft's logbooks the recommended center of gravity is 14 inches aft of datum, plus or minus 1.5 inches, making the total range 12.5 inches to 15.5 inches aft of datum. The weight and balance data for the aircraft was computed with the aircraft having an electric starter, battery and a wooden propeller. Examination of the aircraft wreckage revealed that the aircraft had been modified from its original state. The aircraft's electric starter and battery had been removed and the original wooden propeller had been replaced with a McCauley metal propeller. The aircraft's logbooks did not reflect the above changes and no evidence of a revised weight and balance calculation for the aircraft was found. A calculated weight and balance, using the most current data, revealed that with a 210 pound pilot and twelve gallons of fuel(full fuel), the center of gravity is approximately 19.2 inches aft of datum. With the same pilot weight and six gallons of fuel, the aircraft's center of gravity is approximately 17.27 inches aft of datum.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:08 PDT
Nearest AirportFirstair Airfield (4nm W)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWells BABY Lakes
Tail NumberN92JW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 45 C
Altimeter33.00 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data