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NTSB Report
July 1, 1991 · Sterns Sterns Longster Sterns LON · N891DS
Mayville, NY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Mayville, NY
Aircraft
Sterns Sterns Longster Sterns LON
Tail Number
N891DS
Operator
Dick R Stearns
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC91DFJ01
THE PILOT WAS FLYING THE EXPERIMENTAL, HOME-BUILT AIRPLANE FOR THE FIRST TIME. HE EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ABOUT FLYING THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT'S FAMILY ARRIVED AT THE AIRPORT WITH A VIDEO CAMERA TO RECORD THE FLIGHT. AFTER MUCH HESITATION, THE PILOT TOOK OFF. HE CIRCLED THE AIRPORT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AT A LOW ALTITUDE. THEN THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND SPUN INTO THE GROUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND SPIN AT A LOW ALTITUDE. ALSO CAUSAL TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE OF THE PILOT IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL AIRPLANE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS FLYING THE EXPERIMENTAL, HOME-BUILT AIRPLANE FOR THE FIRST TIME. HE EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ABOUT FLYING THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT'S FAMILY ARRIVED AT THE AIRPORT WITH A VIDEO CAMERA TO RECORD THE FLIGHT. AFTER MUCH HESITATION, THE PILOT TOOK OFF. HE CIRCLED THE AIRPORT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AT A LOW ALTITUDE. THEN THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND SPUN INTO THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:22 EDT
Nearest AirportDart Airfield (1nm ENE)
Runway31
Runway Length2700 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSterns Sterns Longster Sterns LON
Tail NumberN891DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDick R Stearns
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · 07 · Reciprocating
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourceWFAC