# NTSB FTW92LA128: Forney F-1, N3009G, Mason, TX, May 10, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 10, 1992, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Mason, TX
- Coordinates: 30.740459, -99.229629 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.7405&lon=-99.2296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18490
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA128
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18490/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA128

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DELAY IN PROCEEDING TO A SUITABLE ALTERNATE WHEN HIS FUEL STATE BECAME QUESTIONABLE AND HIS SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL DURING THE OFF AIRPORT PRECAUTIONARY LANDING.  A FACTOR WAS THE GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS ON LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - low level
  - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

AFTER RECEIVING A WEATHER BRIEFING WHICH INDICATED FAVORABLE WEATHER, THE PILOT DEPARTED ON HIS CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. EN ROUTE, THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED ADVERSE HEAD WINDS AND ELECTED TO PROCEED TO HIS PLANNED ALTERNATE TO REFUEL.  UPON ARRIVAL IN THE ALTERNATE AREA, THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED DETERIORATED WEATHER AND COULD NOT FIND THE AIRPORT.  SHORTLY THEREAFTER, REALIZING THAT HE WAS RUNNING OUT OF FUEL, THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND ON A HIGHWAY IN GUSTY WINDS.  DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE LEFT WING STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3009G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3009G), registered now, S/N 5701, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FORNEY F-1
- Registry model: [Forney F-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/forney-f-1) (registry code 0420202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5701
- Airframe hours: 1055
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tarrer, Ray A.
- Registered owner: Tarrer, Ray A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 9, 1992, 12 hours before
- Departed: MAF, MIDLAND, TX
- Destination: NONE, BURNET, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,217 total, 300 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 30 knots, gusting 45
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19920510013919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920510013919A), May 10, 1992: Univar F1, Mason, TX, Substantial damage. Low on fuel due strong headwinds. Elected land on road. Wind gust caused swerve into embankment.

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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