# NTSB FTW85FRD01: Alon A-2, N5491E, Bunkie, LA, May 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 5, 1985, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Bunkie, LA
- Coordinates: 30.950969, -92.180999 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.9510&lon=-92.1810&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21582
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FRD01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21582/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FRD01

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, climb - to cruise
  - flight control,aileron - inoperative
  - flt control syst,aileron control - failure,partial (cause)
  - flight control,elevator - inoperative
  - flt control syst,elevator control - failure,partial (cause)
  - remedial action - performed, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED THE TERRAIN AND WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE FOLLOWING A LOSS OF ELEVATOR AND AILERON CONTROL. THE PLT REPORTED HE MAINTAINED CONTROL OF THE ACFT BY USE OF THE RUDDER, PWR AND ELEVATOR TRIM. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE LEFT AILERON CONTROL SHAFT WAS MISSING. THE CONTROL SHAFT UNIVERSAL AND TAPER PIN ON THE CONTROL ASSEMBLY WERE ALSO NOT LOCATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5491E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5491E-2012-09-24), registration cancelled 2012-09-24, S/N A-25, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ALON A-2
- Registry model: [Alon A2](https://openairdocs.org/model/alon-a2) (registry code 0540102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: A-25
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Brent M Bordelon
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 17, 1984
- Departed: 2R6, BUNKIE, LA
- Destination: LA26, MARKSVILLE, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 159 total, 153 in this make and model, 155 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ESS, 27 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 19850505016839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850505016839A), May 5, 1985: Univar A2ALON, Bunkie, LA, Destroyed. Aircraft crashed after pilot reportedly lost aileron and elevator control. Some control parts not found in wreckage

## Other investigations on N5491E (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 CHI76DET10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI76DET10), Aug 9, 1975: Alon A2 (N5491E), Logansport, IN, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI69D0635](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI69D0635), Apr 7, 1969: Alon A-2 (N5491E), Orland Park, IL, 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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