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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 4, 2022 · Aviat Aircraft A-1B NO Series · N188DS

Matagorda Island, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 4, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Matagorda Island, TX
Aircraft
Aviat Aircraft A-1B NO Series (2005)
Tail Number
N188DS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA097

The pilot reported that he was performing a precautionary landing on a beach when the airplane veered left and impacted a sand dune, resulting in substantial damage. Following the accident, he reported to his insurance company that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane and that he chose to land on the beach to take a photo. The airplane was not examined following the accident; however, the circumstances are consistent with the pilot’s loss of directional control during an off-airport landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained

Full Narrative

On January 4, 2022, about 1130 central standard time, an Aviat A-1B airplane, N188DS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident on Matagorda Island, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot and passenger departed about 1005 and proceeded to the northeast at a cruise altitude about 3,500 ft mean sea level. The pilot reported that he performed a precautionary landing for unspecified reasons to a beach. During the landing roll, the airplane veered left and collided with a sand dune. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage. When reporting the accident to his insurance company, the pilot reported that he landed to take a picture. He did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. A postaccident photo of the airplane revealed that one propeller blade exhibited leading edge polishing; the other propeller blade was obscured. The airplane was not examined following the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAviat Aircraft A-1B NO Series
Tail NumberN188DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1P · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 3 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 50 F
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time10:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data