# NTSB FTW85LA332: Piper Aerostar 601P, N8045J, San Angelo, TX, August 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 24, 1985, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: San Angelo, TX
- Location: 31.4638° N, 100.4370° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of San Angelo, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4638&lon=-100.4370&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21836
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA332
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21836/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA332

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of engine power, descent - uncontrolled
  - powerplant controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - wheels up landing - intentional, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED THE ACFT AND RECEIVED 25 HRS DUAL INSTRUCTION TO COMPLY WITH HIS INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. SHORTLY THEREAFTER HE WENT OUT SOLO TO PRACTICE STEEP TURNS.HE CLIMBED TO 12,500 FT AND LEVELED OFF. HE THEN ROLLED INTO A 60 DEG LEFT BANK AT 200 KTS AIRSPEED BY APPLYING LEFT AILERON AND BACK PRESSURE. HE THEN APPLIED MODERATE LEFT RUDDER. AT THIS TIME THE NOSE CAME UP, THE RIGHT WING CAME OVER THE TOP, THE NOSE TUCKED DOWN AND THE ACFT ENTERED A STEEP NOSE DOWN SPIN. IN HIS ATTEMPT TO STOP THE SPIN THE PLT SHUT DOWN BOTH ENGS. HE GOT THE SPIN STOPPED AFTER 15 TO 20 TURNS. HE STARTED PULLING THE NOSE UP AND THE STALL BUFFET WAS FELT. ALT WAS 500 FT AGL AT THIS TIME AND HE WASUNABLE TO RESTART THE ENG. HE THEN MADE A GEAR UP LANDING IN A PASTURE WHICH RESULTED IN DESTRUCTION OF THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8045J (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER AEROSTAR 601P (AEROSTAR 6)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: GIP-0528-222
- Airframe hours: 897
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-S1AS 290 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Homer Allen Anderson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 12, 1984
- Departed: SJT, SAN ANGELO, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,386 total, 35 in this make and model, 1,338 as pilot in command, 108 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °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 19850824040349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850824040349A), Aug 24, 1985: Piper PA60601P, San Angelo, TX, Destroyed. Entered spin while practicing steep turns. Feathered engines to help recovery. Unable to restart after recovery.

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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