# NTSB FTW87FA105: Grumman AA-5B, N28846, Eagle Lake, TX, April 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 25, 1987, 09:58 local (14:58 UTC)
- Place: Eagle Lake, TX
- Coordinates: 29.579977, -96.319465 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.5800&lon=-96.3195&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22243
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87FA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22243/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87FA105

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - maneuver - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ON APRIL 25,1987 A GRUMMAN AMERICAN AA5B, N28846, IMPACTED THE TERRAIN NEAR EAGLE LAKE, TEXAS. THE PRIVATE PILOT AND HER HUSBAND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED. VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS PREVAILED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT FROM KERRVILLE, TEXAS TO HOUSTON, TEXAS. THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A MEDIUM TO STEEP LEFT TURN AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND IMPACTED THE TERRAIN BEFORE RECOVERY COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N28846](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N28846-2013-11-12), registration cancelled 2013-11-12, S/N AA5B0850, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRUMMAN AA-5B
- Registry model: [Grumman American Avn. AA-5B](https://openairdocs.org/model/grumman-american-avn-aa-5b) (registry code 3960105) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: AA5B0850
- Airframe hours: 844
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fletcher Aviation
- Registered owner: Joanna Burton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 6, 1987, 66 hours before
- Departed: ERV, KERRVILE, TX
- Destination: HUB, HOUSTON, TX
- Airport: ELA, Eagle Lake

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,000 total, 900 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOU, 54 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 19870425011329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870425011329A), Apr 25, 1987: Gulstm AA5B, Eagle Lake, TX, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Stalled in a steep turn and impacted the terrain. Failed to maintain engough airspeed for degree of bank.

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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