# NTSB BFO92FA051: Sam R. Crowell SH-2R, N1RX, Somerville, VA, May 3, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1992, 15:58 local (19:58 UTC)
- Place: Somerville, VA
- Location: 38.5218° N, 77.6094° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Somerville, VA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5218&lon=-77.6094&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 21, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11723
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO92FA051
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11723/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92FA051

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE HANDLING OF AIRCRAFT DURING AEROBATIC MANEUVER WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN OPERATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aircraft handling - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT INDICATED BEFORE THE FLIGHT THAT HE WAS GOING TO DO SOME AEROBATICS.  SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE PILOT WAS OVERHEARD ON THE RADIO SAYING 'I CAN'T CONTROL IT . . . WE'RE GOING IN.'  WITNESSES REPORTED THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED WHILE IN A COUNTER CLOCKWISE FLAT SPIN BEFORE IT CRASHED.  THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.  THE PILOT'S ONLY KNOWN AEROBATIC FLIGHT EXPERIENCE OCCURRED ON A DAY ABOUT THREE WEEKS EARLIER, IN WHICH HE WAS SHOWN LOOPS AND BARREL ROLLS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1RX](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1RX-2002-11-22), registration cancelled 2002-11-22, S/N 222, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SAM R. CROWELL SH-2R
- Registry model: [Crowell Sam R SH-2R](https://openairdocs.org/model/crowell-sam-r-sh-2r) (registry code 0569160) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 222
- Airframe hours: 185
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Harrison Realty Development
- Registered owner: Harrison Realty Development
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 16, 1991, 86 hours before
- Departed: W66, WARRENTON/FAUQU, VA
- Destination: W66

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 245 total, 151 in this make and model, 200 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19920503012979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920503012979A), May 3, 1992: Amtr GLASAIR, Somerville, VA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Observed in flat spin to impact. Told wife intended to do acrobatics. Marginal acrobatic training. Spins prohibited

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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