# NTSB FTW89DRG02: Douglas A-20G, N67921, San Benito, TX, October 8, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: October 8, 1988, 14:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: San Benito, TX
- Coordinates: 26.129953, -97.630661 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1300&lon=-97.6307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22739
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89DRG02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22739/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DRG02

## Probable cause

INCAPACITATION OF THE PILOT WHILE FLYING AN AIRCRAFT DUE TO LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS FROM A CARDIAC RHYTHM DISTURBANCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aircraft control - not maintained
  - incapacitation(cardiovascular), pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE 70 YR OLD PLT WAS FLYING A DOUGLAS A-20 IN A FLT OF 3 ACFT AT AN AIRSHOW (CONFEDERATE AIR FORCE 'AIRSHOW 88'). AFTERFLYING ON A SOUTHERLY HDG, THE FLT ENTERED A PROCEDURE TURN WHICH INVOLVED A 90 DEG LEFT TURN TO THE EAST FOLLOWED BY A 270 DEG RGT TURN BACK NORTHBOUND. WHILE MNVRG, THE A-20 ENTERED A RIGHT DESCENDING TURN & SUBSEQUENTLY CRASHED ON LEVEL TERRAIN IN A RELATIVELY WINGS LEVEL DESCENT. THE MAIN WRECKAGE CAME TO REST ABOUT 225' FROM THE INITIAL IMPACT POINT. ACCORDING TO A PATHOLOGICAL RPRT, THE PLT HAD SEVERE CORONARY ARTERIOSCLEROSIS & SUFFERED A HEART ATTACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N67921](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N67921-2013-09-13), registration cancelled 2013-09-13, S/N AF43-22210, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DOUGLAS A-20G
- Registry model: [Douglas A-20G](https://openairdocs.org/model/douglas-a-20g) (registry code 3020306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright R-2600 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-r-2600-series) (registry code 67050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21857
- Engines: WRIGHT R-2600-23 1350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Confederate Air Force
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: AAIP, November 6, 1987, 9 hours before
- Departed: HRL, HARLINGEN, TX
- Airport: HRL, Rio Grande Valley Intl

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 26,100 total, 24,623 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19881008045749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881008045749A), Oct 8, 1988: Doug A20GHUGHES, Harlingen, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Dived into ground after making a tour out of an airshow 3 plane formation. Problem reported. Pilot had heart disease

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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