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NTSB Report
May 12, 1989 · Smith MINI DSA-1 · N21H
Sterling, CT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Sterling, CT
Aircraft
Smith MINI DSA-1
Tail Number
N21H
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC89DNE02
THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED PERFORMING AEROBATICS BEFORE IT IMPACTED THE GROUND, IN AN INVERTED, NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE. THE PILOT'S RECORDS INDICATE A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 600 HOURS, OF WHICH ABOUT 3 HOURS WERE IN THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT. RECORDS INDICATE THAT THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN FLOWN APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS IN THE PRECEDING 8 1/2 YEARS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS, AND THE AIRCRAFT'S RESULTANT UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO THE GROUND.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED PERFORMING AEROBATICS BEFORE IT IMPACTED THE GROUND, IN AN INVERTED, NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE. THE PILOT'S RECORDS INDICATE A TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 600 HOURS, OF WHICH ABOUT 3 HOURS WERE IN THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT. RECORDS INDICATE THAT THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN FLOWN APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS IN THE PRECEDING 8 1/2 YEARS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:10 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSmith MINI DSA-1
Tail NumberN21H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · SPORT 48 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT