# NTSB FTW83FA319: Grumman AA-1B, N1480R, Newport, AR, July 6, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1983, 19:30 local (Jul 6, 1983, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Newport, AR
- Coordinates: 35.620521, -91.229286 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6205&lon=-91.2293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20745
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83FA319
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20745/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA319

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT REMAINED LOW AFTER TAKEOFF AND AFTER A TURN CONTINUED NORTH OUT OF SIGHT OF WITNESSES AND DID NOT REAPPEAR. IT COLLIDED WITH THE BOTTOM TWO STRANDS OF A POWERLINE WHICH WERE SEVERED BY THE PROPELLER. THE ACFT FUSELAGE CAME TO REST 162 FT BEYOND THE POWERLINE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION ON ITS MAIN LANDING GEAR WITH THE ENGINE AND BOTH WINGS SEPARATED. NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-IMPACT FAILURE OF MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1480R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1480R-1997-02-19), registration cancelled 1997-02-19, S/N AA1B0580 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AA-1B
- Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. AA-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-aa-1b) (registry code 3960103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA-1B-0580
- Airframe hours: 1244
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James M. Thomas
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 26, 1982, 48 hours before
- Destination: BVX, BATESVILLE, AR
- Airport: MI9, Newport Municipal, runway 36, 5,000 × 150 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JBR, 35 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 19830705028439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830705028439A), Jul 5, 1983: Gulstm AA1B, Newport, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Flew into a powerline shortly after takeoff. Aircraft demolished by ground impact.

## Other investigations on N1480R (2)

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.

- [NTSB NYC80DHA25](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC80DHA25), May 31, 1980: Grum Amer AA-1 (N1480R), Sussex, NJ, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC78FGM47](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FGM47), Aug 27, 1978: Grum Amer AA1-B (N1480R), Mckeesport, PA, substantial damage

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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