# NTSB ATL89LA204: Beech A23-19, N5684S, Gallatin, TN, August 27, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1989, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Gallatin, TN
- Coordinates: 36.369098, -86.450195 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3691&lon=-86.4502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 15, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8059
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA204
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8059/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA204

## Probable cause

THE PILOT USED AN UNSUITABLE RUNWAY AREA (TERRAIN) FOR TAKEOFF.  RELATED FACTORS WERE:  INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE OF THE RUNWAY, RUNWAY CONDITIONS (UNEVEN SURFACE & TALL GRASS), AND THE FENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - runway maintenance - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A FENCE NEAR THE DEPARTURE END OF THE 1700 FOOT GRASS RUNWAY. GRASS ON THE RUNWAY WAS 12 INCHES TALL, AND THE RUNWAY WAS ROUGH AND UNEVEN. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED NORMAL OPERATION OF THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5684S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5684S-2013-04-23), registration cancelled 2013-04-23, S/N MB-124, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A23-19
- Registry model: [Beech A23-19](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a23-19) (registry code 1151212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MB-124
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2C 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Shirley Brown
- Registered owner: William H Sallee
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: GALLATIN, TN
- Airport: Private

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,250 total, 300 in this make and model, 13 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19890827031869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890827031869A), Aug 27, 1989: Beech A2319, Gallatin, TN, Substantial damage. Tried to takeoff from rough tall grass short strip and collided with fence. Voluntarily surrendered pilot licenses

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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