# NTSB ATL96LA088: Aero Commander 100, N3797X, Jesup, GA, May 29, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 29, 1996, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Jesup, GA
- Coordinates: 31.660646, -81.930686 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.6606&lon=-81.9307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 3, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3730
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL96LA088
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3730/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA088

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and his failure to remain clear of the fence during takeoff.

## 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
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence
  - clearance - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - object - vehicle

## Analysis

Earlier in the day, a forced landing of the aircraft had been made in an off-airport field. A mechanic inspected the aircraft and pronounced it safe to fly. A witness stated that during takeoff, the aircraft lifted off the ground, but failed to clear a four foot pasture fence. The main gear tires struck the top of the fence, then the aircraft was landed again. Before coming to rest, the aircraft collided with an automobile. No mechanical problem with the aircraft was reported by the pilot.

## Factual narrative

On May 29, 1996, about 1700 eastern daylight time, an Aero Commander 100, N3797X was substantially damaged following a collision with a fence during takeoff from a field near Jesup, Georgia. The private pilot was not injured in the accident. The airplane was being  operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91.  Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight. The flight departed Jessup Wayne County Airport, in Jessup, Georgia, at 1645.

The aircraft had made a forced landing into the field earlier in the day. A mechanic inspected the aircraft, and pronounced it safe to fly. A witness stated that during takeoff, the aircraft lifted off the ground, but failed to clear a four foot pasture fence. The main gear tires struck the top of the fence,  and landed on the field again.  The aircraft veered left, and collided with an automobile before coming to rest. No mechanical problem with the airplane was reported by the pilot.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3797X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3797X-2005-04-01), registration cancelled 2005-04-01, S/N 295, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Aero Commander 100
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 100](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-100) (registry code 0140202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 295
- Airframe hours: 1275
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John T Strickland
- Registered owner: William A Zorn
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: JES

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 77; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,068 total, 18 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SSI, 40 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 19960529012089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960529012089A), May 29, 1996: Slinds 100ACMDR, Jesup, GA, Substantial damage. Crashed on takeoff.

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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