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NTSB Report
August 13, 1989 · Piper PA-38-112 · N2471D
Benson, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 13, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Benson, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N2471D
Operator
Jerry W Wood
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX89LA274
THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT REPORTED SMELLING AND SEEING SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT AREA, COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE SMOKE LASTED FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS. THE PILOT DECIDED TO TURN OFF THE THROTTLE, MIXTURE, AND FUEL AND EXECUTE A FORCED LANDING. HE ALSO REPORTED HEARING THE STALL WARNING INDICATOR 2-3 TIMES DURING HIS EMERGENCY DESCENT. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD ON A DIRT ROAD. THE OPERATOR INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING AN EMERGENCY DESCENT AND TO PROPERLY FLARE THE AIRCRAFT DURING LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S ANXIOUSNESS IN OVER-REACTING TO A SITUATION AND PREMATURELY ENTERING A POWER-OFF FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT REPORTED SMELLING AND SEEING SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT AREA, COMING FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE SMOKE LASTED FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS. THE PILOT DECIDED TO TURN OFF THE THROTTLE, MIXTURE, AND FUEL AND EXECUTE A FORCED LANDING. HE ALSO REPORTED HEARING THE STALL WARNING INDICATOR 2-3 TIMES DURING HIS EMERGENCY DESCENT. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD ON A DIRT ROAD. THE OPERATOR INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:52 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionIflt
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN2471D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJerry W Wood
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-12C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 9 kt
Visibility70 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 57
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:51
Weather SourceWFAC