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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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January 2, 1988 · Aero Commander 100-180 · N3709X

Mineola Quitman, TX

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 2, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Mineola Quitman, TX
Aircraft
Aero Commander 100-180
Tail Number
N3709X
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW88LA045

DURING A PRACTICE TOUCH AND GO LANDING, THE ENGINE BACK FIRED AND THEN SURGED. AT ABOUT 150' AGL THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED ABOUT 80% AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT FLEW OVER A TRASH DUMP AND BETWEEN TWO TREES. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLEAR A FENCE THE STALL WARNING HORN WENT OFF. THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED THE GROUND LEFT MAIN AND WING FIRST CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE FOUND THAT THE ENGINE EXHAUST MUFFLER HAD FAILED INTERNALLY BLOCKING THE EXHAUST OUTLET.

Full Narrative

DURING A PRACTICE TOUCH AND GO LANDING, THE ENGINE BACK FIRED AND THEN SURGED. AT ABOUT 150' AGL THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED ABOUT 80% AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT FLEW OVER A TRASH DUMP AND BETWEEN TWO TREES. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLEAR A FENCE THE STALL WARNING HORN WENT OFF. THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED THE GROUND LEFT MAIN AND WING FIRST CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE FOUND THAT THE ENGINE EXHAUST MUFFLER HAD FAILED INTERNALLY BLOCKING THE EXHAUST OUTLET.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 CST
Nearest AirportQuitman Arpt. (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAero Commander 100-180
Tail NumberN3709X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A2F · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingOvercast 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 18 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data