# NTSB FTW88LA045: Aero Commander 100-180, N3709X, Mineola Quitman, TX, January 2, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 2, 1988, 15:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Mineola Quitman, TX
- Coordinates: 32.659328, -95.480346 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6593&lon=-95.4803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 9, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22605
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22605/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA045

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - climb - not possible
  - exhaust system,muffler - failure,partial (cause)
  - exhaust system,muffler - blocked(partial) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - flare - not possible

## Analysis

DURING A PRACTICE TOUCH AND GO LANDING, THE ENGINE BACK FIRED AND THEN SURGED. AT ABOUT 150' AGL THE ENGINE RPM DROPPED ABOUT 80% AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT FLEW OVER A TRASH DUMP AND BETWEEN TWO TREES. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLEAR A FENCE THE STALL WARNING HORN WENT OFF. THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED THE GROUND LEFT MAIN AND WING FIRST CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE FOUND THAT THE ENGINE EXHAUST MUFFLER HAD FAILED INTERNALLY BLOCKING THE EXHAUST OUTLET.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3709X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3709X-2012-11-09), registration cancelled 2012-11-09, S/N 5010, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER 100-180
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 100-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-100-180) (registry code 0140208) (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: 5010
- Airframe hours: 2178
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A2F 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Glen T. Clark
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 5, 1987, 22 hours before
- Departed: 3T1
- Destination: 1N1, LITTLE ROCK, AR
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: 3T1, Quitman Arpt., runway 36, 3,400 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,444 total, 22 in this make and model, 1,444 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19880102000099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880102000099A), Jan 2, 1988: Slinds 100180, Mineola Quitman, TX, Substantial damage. Engine backfired and lost power on takeoff. Hit trees on forced landing. Muffler failed internally. Blocked exhaust

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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