# NTSB FTW85FA152: Universal Stinson 108, N953D, Emhouse, TX, March 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 17, 1985, 13:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Emhouse, TX
- Coordinates: 32.080501, -96.459472 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.0805&lon=-96.4595&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21534
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FA152
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21534/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA152

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command
  - qualification, pilot in command
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed, pilot in command
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - buzzing - performed
  - low pass - performed
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES OBSERVED THE STUDENT PLT MAKING REPEATED LOW PASSES NEAR HIS FRIEND'S HOUSE. WHILE MANEUVERING, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A POWER LINE, THEN CRASHED TO THE GROUND INVERTED. THE STUDENT HELD A STUDENT PLT CERTIFICATE THAT WAS DATED 10/17/62. NO RECORD COULD BE FOUND OF A REISSUED CERTIFICATE. THE LAST RECORD OF A MEDICAL (3RD CLASS) WAS DATED 10/8/62. THE LAST ANNUAL INSPECTIONS OF THE ACFT & ENG WERE DATED 7/18/81. DURING AN EXAM OF THE ACFT, NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N953D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N953D-2009-09-17), registration cancelled 2009-09-17, S/N 108-2953, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: UNIVERSAL STINSON 108
- Registry model: [Universal Stinson 108](https://openairdocs.org/model/universal-stinson-108) (registry code 9230412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4165 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4165-series) (registry code 27025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1082953
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-165B3 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert Benard Grogan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 8FO, CORSICANA, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; student; medical: unknown, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19850317007399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850317007399A), Mar 17, 1985: Univar 108, Emhouse, TX, Substantial damage. Struck powerlines while maneuvering and buzzing house. Impacted ground. Aircraft out of annual. No pilot medical.

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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