# NTSB FTW92DQA01: Air Trans. White Lightning, N121WE, Aztec, NM, January 31, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: January 31, 1992, 16:39 local (23:39 UTC)
- Place: Aztec, NM
- Coordinates: 36.819263, -107.99945 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8193&lon=-107.9994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18322
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92DQA01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18322/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92DQA01

## Probable cause

THE INADVERTENT STALL AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES SAW THE AIRPLANE EXECUTE A SLIP WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH. THE HIGH PERFORMANCE HOME BUILT AIRPLANE WAS THEN OBSERVED TO STALL AND ROLL OFF ON ONE WING. THE PRIVATE PILOT WHO WAS ALSO AN A&P MECHANIC WHO HAD WORKED ON THE AIRPLANE WAS ON HIS FIRST FLIGHT IN THE AIRCRAFT. THE OWNER HAD TOLD THE PILOT NOT TO FLY THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO HIS ARRIVAL. THE DESIGNER STATED DURING THE INVESTIGATION THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE AIRPLANE EVER HAVE BEEN SLIPPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N121WE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N121WE-2014-12-17), registration cancelled 2014-12-17, S/N 76, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AIR TRANS. INC WHITE LIGHTNING (WHITE LIGH)
- Registry model: [Air Transportation WHITE LIGHT WLAC 1](https://openairdocs.org/model/air-transportation-white-light-wlac-1) (registry code 05612ZE) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-360-series) (registry code 17025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 76
- Airframe hours: 150
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360-A 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Air Transportation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Air Transportation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1991
- Airport: Q19, Aztec Muni, runway 26, 4,300 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,600 total, 1 in this make and model, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 23 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMN, 11 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 19920131001489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920131001489A), Jan 31, 1992: Amtrli WHTLIGHTING, Azetc, NM, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Mechanic testing newly installed turbocharger. Stalled on landing approach from a no known slip. No check out in type

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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