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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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June 23, 1984 · Robert B Boston Glasair RG · N5177Y

Columbus, OH

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 23, 1984
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Columbus, OH
Aircraft
Robert B Boston Glasair RG
Tail Number
N5177Y
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI84FA255

THE PLT WAS ON THE 2ND LEG OF A FLT TO FERRY THE HOME-BUILT ACFT TO THE LANCASTER ARPT FOR FURTHER TESTING. AFTER TAKEOFF, HE REQUESTED CLEARANCE TO STAY IN THE AREA FOR A FEW MINUTES. ATC ASKED HIM IF HE HAD A PROBLEM & THE PLT RESPONDED 'NO, I JUST WANT TO CHECK SOMETHING OUT.' A FEW MINUTES LATER, HE STATED 'I'M IN TROUBLE.' THE ACFT WAS SEEN & HEARD IN A DESCENDING LEFT TURN AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF OVER 100 MPH WITH THE ENG RUNNING AT A HIGH RPM & WITH THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTED. WHILE IN A DESCENDING LEFT TURN, THE ACFT STRUCK A TREE TOP. IT THEN HIT A UTILITY POLE, IMPACTED THE GROUND, BURST INTO FLAMES & WAS DEMOLISHED BY FIRE. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.

Full Narrative

THE PLT WAS ON THE 2ND LEG OF A FLT TO FERRY THE HOME-BUILT ACFT TO THE LANCASTER ARPT FOR FURTHER TESTING. AFTER TAKEOFF, HE REQUESTED CLEARANCE TO STAY IN THE AREA FOR A FEW MINUTES. ATC ASKED HIM IF HE HAD A PROBLEM & THE PLT RESPONDED 'NO, I JUST WANT TO CHECK SOMETHING OUT.' A FEW MINUTES LATER, HE STATED 'I'M IN TROUBLE.' THE ACFT WAS SEEN & HEARD IN A DESCENDING LEFT TURN AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF OVER 100 MPH WITH THE ENG RUNNING AT A HIGH RPM & WITH THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTED. WHILE IN A DESCENDING LEFT TURN, THE ACFT STRUCK A TREE TOP. IT THEN HIT A UTILITY POLE, IMPACTED THE GROUND, BURST INTO FLAMES & WAS DEMOLISHED BY FIRE. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:05 EDT
Nearest Airport3nm S
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd

Aircraft

AircraftRobert B Boston Glasair RG
Tail NumberN5177Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind12° @ 9 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingOvercast 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:00
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data