# NTSB ATL86LA143: Aero Commander 100, N4003X, Eufaula, AL, May 26, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1986, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Eufaula, AL
- Coordinates: 31.899196, -85.150588 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8992&lon=-85.1506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7111
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA143
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7111/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA143

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - normal
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - previous damage (cause)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - failure,total (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - level off - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

DURING A DESCENT OF 400-500 FPM AT 120-125 MPH THE WINDSHIELD BLEW INTO THE AIRCRAFT. A PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE ACFT, FOLDED UP SO AS TO JUT ABOVE THE CABIN ROOF AND ACTED AS A SPOILER. LEVEL FLIGHT COULD NOT BE MAINTAINED DUE TO THE INCREASED DRAG AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A PLOWED FIELD. THE PASSENGER REPORTED THATTHERE WAS A PRE-EXISTING CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD 8 TO 10 INCHES IN LENGTH FROM THE RIGHT CORNER TOWARD THE CENTER. THE ENDS OF THE CRACK WERE STOP DRILLED AND BOLTS INSTALLED IN THE DRILLED HOLES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4003X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4003X-1989-01-05), registration cancelled 1989-01-05, S/N 212 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER 100
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 100](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-100) (registry code 0140202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 212
- Airframe hours: 482
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William Roberts
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 15, 1985, 36 hours before
- Departed: 02J, CORDELE, GA
- Destination: IR8, BAY MINETTE, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DHN, 35 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 19860526019529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860526019529A), May 26, 1986: Slinds 100ACMDR, Eufaula, AL, Substantial damage. Broken windshield parts blew into cockpit. Unable tomaintain altitude. Flipped over landing in a 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.