# NTSB FTW91LA165: Piper PA-28-150, N5330W, Van Horn, TX, September 21, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 21, 1991, 04:00 local (10:00 UTC)
- Place: Van Horn, TX
- Coordinates: 31.039621, -104.829093 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.0396&lon=-104.8291&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23401
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23401/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA165

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, unknown
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed, pilot in command
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A FLIGHT IN A STOLEN AIRPLANE THE STUDENT PILOT LOST CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. NO RECORD COULD BE FOUND THAT INDICATED THE STUDENT PILOT HAD EVER FLOWN WITH A CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR; HOWEVER, HE HAD BEEN OBSERVED CARRYING PASSENGERS ON RECENT FLIGHTS (ESTIMATED 4).

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5330W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5330W-2013-07-15), registration cancelled 2013-07-15, S/N 28-387, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-150) (registry code 7102804) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-387
- Airframe hours: 764
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A3A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: W. D. Smith
- Registered owner: W. D. Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 18, 1991

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 15 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 54 °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 19910921042209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910921042209A), Sep 21, 1991: Piper PA28150, Van Horn, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft was flown without owners permission pilot had flown aircraft before had key crashed inverted nose 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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