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NTSB Report
May 9, 1989 · Davis Starship Alpha · N5531N
Star, ID
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 9, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Star, ID
Aircraft
Davis Starship Alpha
Tail Number
N5531N
Operator
Gilbert E Davis
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA89LA083
THE PLT MADE A LOW PASS OVER THE AIRPORT TO CHECK THE RWY, THEN DECIDED NOT TO LAND. WHEN HE APPLIED POWER TO INITIATE A GO-AROUND, TEETH STRIPPED OFF OF THE PROP DRIVE BELT. THIS RESULTED IN AN INTERRUPTION OF POWER TO THE PROP. THE PLT MANEUVERED THE ACFT BACK TOWARD THE ARPT IN STRONG GUSTY WINDS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO LAND ON THE RWY. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED WHEN IT IMPACTED ON A SMALL HILL ABOUT 100' NORTH OF THE RWY. THE PLT RPRTD THE WIND WAS FROM THE SOUTH AT 15 GUSTING 20 KTS.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER DRIVE BELT (STRIPPED TEETH). CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: STRONG/GUSTY WINDS AND THE HILLY TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE PLT MADE A LOW PASS OVER THE AIRPORT TO CHECK THE RWY, THEN DECIDED NOT TO LAND. WHEN HE APPLIED POWER TO INITIATE A GO-AROUND, TEETH STRIPPED OFF OF THE PROP DRIVE BELT. THIS RESULTED IN AN INTERRUPTION OF POWER TO THE PROP. THE PLT MANEUVERED THE ACFT BACK TOWARD THE ARPT IN STRONG GUSTY WINDS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO LAND ON THE RWY. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED WHEN IT IMPACTED ON A SMALL HILL ABOUT 100' NORTH OF THE RWY. THE PLT RPRTD THE WIND WAS FROM THE SOUTH AT 15 GUSTING 20 KTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 PDT
Nearest AirportJUMPWEST (0nm N)
Runway5
Runway Length4200 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDavis Starship Alpha
Tail NumberN5531N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGilbert E Davis
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsKawasaki · TA440F-204 · Reciprocating · 40
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 15 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 41 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC