# NTSB FTW85LA033: Stinson 108, N97476, Sandia, TX, October 31, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 30, 1984, 19:30 local (Oct 31, 1984, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Sandia, TX
- Coordinates: 28.009721, -97.879211 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.0097&lon=-97.8792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21615
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21615/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA033

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - unavailable (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING A NIGHT LANDING AT AN UNLIGHTED AIRPORT. PLT STATED HE ELECUTED A LOW ANGLE APPROACH, KNOWING OF ELEVATED AND WOODED TERRAIN OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY. ON SIGHTING TREES TO HIS LEFT, HE INITIATED A GO-AROUND BUT STRUCK OTHER TREES BEFORE CLIMB COULD BE ESTABLISHED. THE AIRCRAFT THEN CONTACTED THE RUNWAY AND GROUND LOOPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N97476](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N97476-2013-03-21), registration cancelled 2013-03-21, S/N 108476, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108
- Registry model: [Stinson 108](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108) (registry code 9230402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4165 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4165-series) (registry code 27025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-476
- Airframe hours: 1642
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4 165BA3 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Global Harvesters Foundation I
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 25, 1985
- Departed: HOU, HOUSTON, TX
- Destination: SANDIA, TX
- Airport: Arrowhead, runway 13, 3,600 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 218 total, 8 in this make and model, 142 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 135° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 31.00 inHg

## 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 19841030061049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841030061049A), Oct 30, 1984: Univar 108, Sandia, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft struck trees during approach to unlighted runway at night.

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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