# NTSB ATL83LA382: Aero Commander A-9, N8031V, Andalusia, AL, September 26, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1983, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Andalusia, AL
- Coordinates: 31.299377, -86.479652 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2994&lon=-86.4797&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6215
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA382
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6215/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA382

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - engine assembly,mount - failure,total (cause)
  - engine assembly - vibration (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - load jettison - performed, pilot in command
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER SPRAYING 2 FIELDS, THE PLT WAS EN ROUTE TO SPRAY A 3RD FIELD WHEN A SEVERE VIBRATION OF THE ACFT WAS ENCOUNTERED. HE ELECTED TO LAND IN THE 1ST AVAILABLE FIELD & DUMPED HIS CHEMICAL LOAD. DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT HIT A TERRACE & NOSED OVER. THE  PLT STATED THAT HE DID NOT REALIZE THE FIELD WAS UNEVEN & TERRACED UNTIL THE ACFT WAS ON THE GROUND. GRASS & TALL WEEDS WERE GROWING IN THE FIELD. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE UPPER RIGHT ENG MOUNT HAD FAILED. NO FATIGUE WAS FOUND; HOWEVER, THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF HAMMERING, INDICATING MULTIPLE IMPACTS AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8031V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8031V-2013-05-13), registration cancelled 2013-05-13, S/N 1598, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER A-9
- Registry model: [Aero Commander CALLAIR A-9](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-callair-a-9) (registry code 0144202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1598
- Airframe hours: 1668
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Ferrin D. Eason
- Registered owner: Ferrin D. Eason
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1983
- Departed: 0J4, FLORALA, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 8,000 total, 150 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CEW, 32 nm away

## 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 19830926054239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830926054239A), Sep 26, 1983: Airpts A9A, Andalusia, AL, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing after pilot felt engine vibration. Engine mount bracket was broken.

## Other investigations on N8031V (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA74DKG82](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA74DKG82), Jun 11, 1974: Aero Comdr A-9 (N8031V), Smithville, GA, substantial damage

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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