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NTSB Report
April 15, 1989 · American AA-1A · N9479L
Bluffton, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Bluffton, IN
Aircraft
American AA-1A
Tail Number
N9479L
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI89DET04
WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE PILOT ATTEMPT TO LAND ON RUNWAY 27. THE LANDING WAS ABORTED. DURING THE CLIMB OUT, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO ENTER A STEEP CLIMBING RIGHT TURN. DURING THE TURN, THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND DESCENDED TO IMPACT WITH THE TERRAIN. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT A TAIL WIND EXISTED FOR RUNWAY 27. THE PILOT OF ANOTHER AIRPLANE WHICH WAS ACCOMPANYING N9479L DURING ITS FLIGHT STATED HE INFORMED THE ACCIDENT PILOT OF THE TAILWIND CONDITION.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE AIRSPEED RESULTING IN A STALL/SPIN BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: A TAILWIND AND WRONG RUNWAY SELECTED BY THE PILOT.
Full Narrative
WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE PILOT ATTEMPT TO LAND ON RUNWAY 27. THE LANDING WAS ABORTED. DURING THE CLIMB OUT, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO ENTER A STEEP CLIMBING RIGHT TURN. DURING THE TURN, THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND DESCENDED TO IMPACT WITH THE TERRAIN. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT A TAIL WIND EXISTED FOR RUNWAY 27. THE PILOT OF ANOTHER AIRPLANE WHICH WAS ACCOMPANYING N9479L DURING ITS FLIGHT STATED HE INFORMED THE ACCIDENT PILOT OF THE TAILWIND CONDITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 EDT
Nearest AirportMILLER (1nm E)
Runway27
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width90 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAmerican AA-1A
Tail NumberN9479L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C2C · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:30
Weather SourceWFAC