# NTSB FTW84LA303: Smith Miniplane DSA-1, N1674, Brookshire, TX, July 15, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1984, 19:30 local (Jul 15, 1984, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Brookshire, TX
- Coordinates: 29.780273, -95.949478 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7803&lon=-95.9495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21389
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA303
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21389/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA303

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - engine assembly - undetermined (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - conflicting, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,obstruction marking - inaccurate (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,main gear attachment - separation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN UNMARKED WIRE AFTER THE ENGINE QUIT ON FINAL APCH. AFTER THE COLLISION THE PLT WAS ABLE TO LEVEL THE ACFT AND CRASH LANDED ABOUT 250 FT SHORT OF THE RWY. THE IMPACT SNAPPED OFF ONE GEAR AND FOLDED THE OTHER. THEACFT SKIDDED TO A STOP ON THE GRASS. THE PLT THOUGHT HE COULD HAVE MISSED THE WIRE IF HE HAD SEEN IT. THE PLT RECOMMENDED MARKER BALLS ON THE TOP WIRE. ACCORDING TO HIM THE BOTTOM WIRE WAS MARKED WHICH LED HIM TO MISJUDGE THE CLEARANCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1674](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1674-2013-01-31), registration cancelled 2013-01-31, S/N 14, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SMITH MINIPLANE DSA-1
- Registry model: [Smith Miniplane DSA-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-miniplane-dsa-1) (registry code 83501LW) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 14
- Airframe hours: 229
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Peter W. Sachse
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 14, 1984
- Airport: Sport Flyer Estate, runway 18, 4,000 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 496 total, 7 in this make and model, 370 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAH, 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 19840714034509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840714034509A), Jul 14, 1984: Amtrsm DSA1, Brookshire, TX, Substantial damage. During approach for landing engine quit and aircraft collided with wires and crashed.

## Other investigations on N1674 (1)

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 FTW79DPG18](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79DPG18), Feb 12, 1979: Smith Minpl BSA1 (N1674), Jonesboro, AR, 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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