# NTSB CHI93DCD01: Richard O. Middlen Glasair III SH-3R, N330RM, Larchwood, IA, October 4, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1992, 12:47 local (17:47 UTC)
- Place: Larchwood, IA
- Coordinates: 43.45079, -96.430137 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4508&lon=-96.4301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15567
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93DCD01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15567/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93DCD01

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL LOW PASS AND HIS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - low pass - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE AMATEUR BUILT AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED IN LOW LEVEL CRUISE FLIGHT OVER A HIGHWAY.  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION WIRES STRETCHED ACROSS A ROAD AND CRASHED IN AN ADJACENT FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N330RM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N330RM-1993-04-23), registration cancelled 1993-04-23, S/N 3153 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RICHARD O. MIDDLEN GLASAIR III SH-3R (GLASAIR II)
- Registry model: [Middlen Richard O GLASAIR III](https://openairdocs.org/model/middlen-richard-o-glasair-iii) (registry code 05691AM) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 3153
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-P1A5 325 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Middlen, Richard O
- Registered owner: Middlen, Richard O
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 17, 1992
- Departed: FSD, SIOUX FALLS, SD
- Destination: FSD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 848 total, 124 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FSD, 17 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 19921004039919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921004039919A), Oct 4, 1992: Amtr GLASAIR, Larchwood, IA, Substantial damage. Flying low over a highway struck wires. Remained airborne briefly then crashed in open field.

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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