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NTSB Report
June 19, 1991 · Cessna C182R · N5459E
Big Spring, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Big Spring, TX
Aircraft
Cessna C182R
Tail Number
N5459E
Operator
Cosden Pipeline
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW91FA104
THE AIRPLANE WAS CONDUCTING AERIAL PIPELINE SURVEY, WHEN AN EYEWITNESS OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE TO PULL UP INTO A STEEP CLIMB, EXECUTE A WING OVER TYPE MANEUVER, FOLLOWED BY A STEEP DIVE. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND IN A WINGS LEVEL, SLIGHTLY NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. THE INITIAL IMPACT SCARS AND PROPELLER STRIKES INDICATED A HIGH VERTICAL SINK RATE. THE FORWARD VELOCITY WAS APPROXIMATELY 142 KNOTS BASED UPON THE PROPELLER SLASH MARKS. ADDITIONALLY, THE TOTAL GROUND TRAVEL WAS 285 FEET EXCLUDING THE MAIN WHEEL ASSEMBLIES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RECOVER FROM AN AEROBATIC MANEUVER DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE WAS CONDUCTING AERIAL PIPELINE SURVEY, WHEN AN EYEWITNESS OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE TO PULL UP INTO A STEEP CLIMB, EXECUTE A WING OVER TYPE MANEUVER, FOLLOWED BY A STEEP DIVE. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND IN A WINGS LEVEL, SLIGHTLY NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. THE INITIAL IMPACT SCARS AND PROPELLER STRIKES INDICATED A HIGH VERTICAL SINK RATE. THE FORWARD VELOCITY WAS APPROXIMATELY 142 KNOTS BASED UPON THE PROPELLER SLASH MARKS. ADDITIONALLY, THE TOTAL GROUND TRAVEL WAS 285 FEET EXCLUDING THE MAIN WHEEL ASSEMBLIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna C182R
Tail NumberN5459E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCosden Pipeline
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-47OU-11 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT