# NTSB CHI07CA194: Boeing N2S-3, N1178J, Trenton, MO, July 4, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 4, 2007, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Trenton, MO - Coordinates: 40.083889, -93.595275 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0839&lon=-93.5953&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 66239 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI07CA194 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66239/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA194 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the water while maneuvering. A factor in the accident was the low altitude maneuver attempted by the pilot. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - terrain condition - water - low altitude flight/maneuver - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted water while maneuvering. The pilot stated that he was "positioning [the airplane] on downwind for a low approach to runway 18" while following another airplane that was conducting a low approach. The pilot reported that while he was attempting to "level off" the "elevator froze," preventing him from leveling off. One witness stated that she saw the airplane attempt to complete a loop. Another witness, who was a certified flight instructor, stated that he saw the airplane in a near vertical descent prior to flying below tree top level. The airplane subsequently impacted water east of the airport. An inspection after the accident revealed no mechanical anomalies which would have prevented normal operation of the airplane. ## Factual narrative The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted water while maneuvering. The pilot stated that he was "positioning [the airplane] on downwind for a low approach to runway 18" while following another airplane that was conducting a low approach. The pilot reported that while he was attempting to "level off" the "elevator froze," preventing him from leveling off. One witness stated that she saw the airplane attempt to complete a loop. Another witness, who was a certified flight instructor, stated that he saw the airplane in a near vertical descent prior to flying below tree top level. The airplane subsequently impacted water east of the airport. An inspection after the accident revealed no mechanical anomalies which would have prevented normal operation of the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1178J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1178J-2013-11-07), registration cancelled 2013-11-07, S/N 757685, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Boeing N2S-3 - Registry model: [Boeing N2S-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-n2s-3) (registry code 1380146) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 757685 - Airframe hours: 4009 - Engines: Continental W-670 220 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2006 - Departed: TRX, Trenton, MO - Airport: TRX, Trenton Muni ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; injuries: minor; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 1, 2007; seat: rear; flight hours: 16,000 total, 250 in this make and model, 8,000 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: KSTJ ## 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 20070704013649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070704013649A), Jul 4, 2007: Boeing N2S3, Trenton, MO, Destroyed. (-23) Several witnesses observed the pilot performing aerobatic maneuvers east of Trenton municipal airport (trx). Prior to impact in the Trenton upper lake,… 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.