# NTSB FTW91DRA03: Bronner Skybolt, N773HD, Alvin, TX, June 8, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 8, 1991, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Alvin, TX
- Coordinates: 29.429105, -95.239128 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4291&lon=-95.2391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23216
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91DRA03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23216/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91DRA03

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN CLEARANCE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO PERFORM A LOW PASS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

DURING ARRIVAL AT THE SITE OF AN ANNUAL LOCAL FLY IN, THE PILOT MADE A LOW PASS DOWN THE RUNWAY. AS THE AIRPLANE FLEW ACROSS A ROAD AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUCK THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. AN UNEVENTFUL PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PERFORMED AT A NEARBY PRIVATE AIRPORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N773HD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N773HD), registered now, S/N 07DB (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BRONNER SKYBOLT
- Registry model: [Bronner STEEN SKYBOLT](https://openairdocs.org/model/bronner-steen-skybolt) (registry code 0565565) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0708
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-G1A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph B. Ware
- Registered owner: Joseph B. Ware
- Departed: ICO, BRAZORIA, TX
- Airport: 6R5, Alvin Airpark, runway 21, 1,420 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 800 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19910608031829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910608031829A), Jun 8, 1991: Amtrsn SKYBOLT, Alvin, TX, Substantial damage. Struck the ground while making low pass over airport.

## Other investigations on N773HD (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW97LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA263), Jul 12, 1997: Bronner Steen Skybolt (N773HD), Brazoria, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: a fuel leak at a wobble pump fuel hose clamp, which resulted in loss of fuel and fuel exhaustion. A related factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

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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