# NTSB ATL82DA063: Smith Mini, N37WS, Brownsboro, AL, March 2, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: March 2, 1982, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Brownsboro, AL
- Location: 34.7493° N, 86.4430° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Brownsboro, AL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7493&lon=-86.4430&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 2, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70052
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82DA063
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70052/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA063

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - erratic (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - initiated, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - fluctuating (cause)
  - fuel supply - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOOK OFF WITH A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL QUANTITY GUAGE. BEFORE TAKEOFF, HE VISUALLY CHECKED THE FUEL AND ESTIMATED THAT THE TANK WAS ABOUT 1/2 FULL. AFTER RETURNING FROM A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING A TURN TO FINAL APPROACH FOR LANDING. UNABLE TO SAFELY LAND ON THE AIRPORT, THE PILOT LANDED IN A PLOWED FIELD. THE GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. NO FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37WS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N37WS-2013-08-05), registration cancelled 2013-08-05, S/N WS-101, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SMITH MINI
- Registry model: [Segerstrom-Smith Miniplane DSA-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/segerstrom-smith-miniplane-dsa-1) (registry code 83501JJ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: WS101
- Airframe hours: 73
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-G 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Al Huff
- Registered owner: Al Huff
- Departed: BROWNSBORO, AL
- Destination: BROWNSBORO, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 356 total, 2 in this make and model, 308 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 138 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19820302001459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820302001459A), Mar 2, 1982: Amtrsm MINIPLANE*, Brownsboro, AL, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel turning final. Landed off airport in muddy, plowed field.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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