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NTSB Report
November 15, 1990 · Grumman American AA-1C · N9583U
Port Townsend, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 15, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Port Townsend, WA
Aircraft
Grumman American AA-1C
Tail Number
N9583U
Operator
Lawrence D Sutherland
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA91LA015
THE PLT REPORTED HE EXTENDED THE PATTERN DOWNWIND FOR DEPARTING ACFT. WHEN THE AIRPLANE TURNED FROM DOWNWIND TO BASE, PWR WAS REDUCED, CARB HEAT WAS APPLIED AND FLAPS WERE EXTENDED A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE STUDENT TOLD THE INSTRUCTOR SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. THE FLT INSTRUCTOR TOOK OVER AND APPLIED PWR WITHOUT ENG RESPONSE. THE AIRPLANE WAS UNABLE TO LAND AT THE ARPT AND AN EMERGENCY OFF FIELD LANDING WAS MADE. DURING THE DESCENT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A PWR POLE AND NOSED OVER. DURING THE ENGINE INSPECTION THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL AILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS REPORTED. THE TEMP AND DEWPOINT SPREAD INDICATE THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS OPERATING IN SERIOUS ICING CONDITIONS FOR CRUISE OR CLIMB POWER.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND A FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED HE EXTENDED THE PATTERN DOWNWIND FOR DEPARTING ACFT. WHEN THE AIRPLANE TURNED FROM DOWNWIND TO BASE, PWR WAS REDUCED, CARB HEAT WAS APPLIED AND FLAPS WERE EXTENDED A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE STUDENT TOLD THE INSTRUCTOR SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. THE FLT INSTRUCTOR TOOK OVER AND APPLIED PWR WITHOUT ENG RESPONSE. THE AIRPLANE WAS UNABLE TO LAND AT THE ARPT AND AN EMERGENCY OFF FIELD LANDING WAS MADE. DURING THE DESCENT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A PWR POLE AND NOSED OVER. DURING THE ENGINE INSPECTION THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL AILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS REPORTED. THE TEMP AND DEWPOINT SPREAD INDICATE THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS OPERATING IN SERIOUS ICING CONDITIONS FOR CRUISE OR CLIMB POWER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:15 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGrumman American AA-1C
Tail NumberN9583U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLawrence D Sutherland
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind130° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time04:55
Weather SourceWFAC