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NTSB Report
January 26, 1989 · Grumman GA-7 · N115DS
Spartansburg, PA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 26, 1989
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Spartansburg, PA
Aircraft
Grumman GA-7
Tail Number
N115DS
Operator
David W Sweigart
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC89FA073
AFTER RECEIVING A WEATHER BRIEFING FROM FSS THE PILOT DECIDED TO FLY INTO KNOWN ICING CONDITIONS WITH AN AIRCRAFT THAT WAS NEITHER CERTIFIED NOR EQUIPPED FOR FLIGHT INTO ICING CONDITIONS. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT 6,100 FEET WHEN THE PILOT TOLD ATC THAT HE WAS PICKING UP ICE AND NEEDED A HIGHER ALTITUDE. HE WAS CLEARED TO 8,000 FEET. ACCORDING TO ATC RADAR DATA, THE AIRCRAFT REACHED 6,500 FEET, AND 12 SECONDS LATER IT WAS AT 3,500 FEET WHEN RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SEEN IN A HIGH SPEED DIVE AT FULL POWER JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT WITH THE GROUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOTS DECISION TO DISREGARD THE WEATHER FORECAST AND ATTEMPT FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ICING CONDITIONS. AFTER THE WINGS STARTED TO ICE UP, THE PILOT INITIATED A CLIMB BUT COULD NOT MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND INADVERTANTLY STALLED THE AIRCRAFT WHICH ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED HIGH SPEED DESCENT TO THE GROUND.
Full Narrative
AFTER RECEIVING A WEATHER BRIEFING FROM FSS THE PILOT DECIDED TO FLY INTO KNOWN ICING CONDITIONS WITH AN AIRCRAFT THAT WAS NEITHER CERTIFIED NOR EQUIPPED FOR FLIGHT INTO ICING CONDITIONS. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT 6,100 FEET WHEN THE PILOT TOLD ATC THAT HE WAS PICKING UP ICE AND NEEDED A HIGHER ALTITUDE. HE WAS CLEARED TO 8,000 FEET. ACCORDING TO ATC RADAR DATA, THE AIRCRAFT REACHED 6,500 FEET, AND 12 SECONDS LATER IT WAS AT 3,500 FEET WHEN RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SEEN IN A HIGH SPEED DIVE AT FULL POWER JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT WITH THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:23 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGrumman GA-7
Tail NumberN115DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDavid W Sweigart
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-D1D · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 8 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 1600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 36 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:36
Weather SourceWFAC