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NTSB Report
February 23, 1988 · Grumman American AA-5A · N9958U
Martinsville, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 23, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Martinsville, IN
Aircraft
Grumman American AA-5A
Tail Number
N9958U
Operator
Lutz G Machon
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI88FA067
THE PLT BEGAN A DEPARTURE BY TAKING OFF TO THE EAST , DOWNWIND, ON A 2000' UPSLOPING RWY. THE AIRPLANE FAILED TO CLEAR TREES & POWERLINES AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY. IT THEN DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL & CRASHED, AND WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT & FIRE. ABOUT 20 MI EAST-NORTHEAST, AT INDIANAPOLIS, THE 1553 EST WIND WAS FROM 310 DEG AT 16 GUSTING 22 KTS. THE PLT'S LAST MEDICAL APPLICATION WAS DATED 10/3/87, BUT A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS DENIED DUE TO A CARDIO-VASCULAR PROBLEM.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT TO TAKE INTO CAONSIDERATION THE WIND DIRECTION AND VELOCITY BEFORE SELECTING HIS TAKEOFF DIRECTION.
Full Narrative
THE PLT BEGAN A DEPARTURE BY TAKING OFF TO THE EAST , DOWNWIND, ON A 2000' UPSLOPING RWY. THE AIRPLANE FAILED TO CLEAR TREES & POWERLINES AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY. IT THEN DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL & CRASHED, AND WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT & FIRE. ABOUT 20 MI EAST-NORTHEAST, AT INDIANAPOLIS, THE 1553 EST WIND WAS FROM 310 DEG AT 16 GUSTING 22 KTS. THE PLT'S LAST MEDICAL APPLICATION WAS DATED 10/3/87, BUT A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS DENIED DUE TO A CARDIO-VASCULAR PROBLEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:31 EST
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width90 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftGrumman American AA-5A
Tail NumberN9958U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLutz G Machon
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2G · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 16 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 18 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC