# NTSB ATL90FA055: American AA-1, N5755L, Cherokee, AL, February 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 2, 1990, 15:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Cherokee, AL
- Coordinates: 34.749477, -87.960586 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7495&lon=-87.9606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8110
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90FA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8110/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90FA055

## Probable cause

CARBURETOR ICE DUE TO THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AFTER THE ENGINE LOST POWER.  THE WEATHER (CARBURETOR ICING) CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - initiated, pilot in command
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER ABOUT 400 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND WHILE PERFORMING A ROLLING MANEUVER. THIS WAS THE THIRD ROLL NEAR HIS HOME AS HIS FAMILY WATCHED. REPORTEDLY, THE ENGINE 'STALLED,' THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, AND IT CRASHED IN A WOODED AREA.  WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICING. THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT CERTIFIED FOR ROLLS.  WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED BY IMPACT FORCES AND A POST-CRASH FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5755L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5755L-1990-03-14), registration cancelled 1990-03-14, S/N AA10155 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AMERICAN AA-1
- Registry model: [American AA-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/american-aa-1) (registry code 0630610) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA1-0155
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C2C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Troy Uptain
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: MSL, MUSCLE SHOALS, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Observed at: MSL, 25 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 19900202001499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900202001499A), Feb 2, 1990: Gulstm AA1, Cherokee, AL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Engine quit during low altitude slow rolls over pilot residence. Crashed and burned. No inverted fuel system.

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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