# NTSB LAX91LA144: Helio H391B, N289LM, Prescott, AZ, March 23, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 23, 1991, 11:01 local (18:01 UTC)
- Place: Prescott, AZ
- Location: 34.6548° N, 112.4192° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at PRESCOTT RGNL/ERNEST A LOVE FLD (PRC), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6548&lon=-112.4192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27146
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27146/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA144

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS.  CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE CROSS WIND AND SOFT TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE CERTIFICATED COMMERCIAL PILOT/FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR WAS DEPARTING ON A PROPOSED CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. THE SURFACE WINDS WERE A DIRECT CROSSWIND FROM THE LEFT. WHEN THE TAIL LIFTED ON THE CONVENTIONAL GEAR AIRPLANE THE AIRPLANE VEERED TO THE LEFT. THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED WHEN IT EXITED THE RUNWAY AND STRUCK THE SOFT MUD ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE LEFT BRAKE WAS BEING APPLIED BY A MECHANICAL FAILURE. EXAMINATION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY PREEXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES. THE PILOT HAD ACCRUED ONLY 19 HOURS IN THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE MAKE AND MODEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N289LM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N289LM), registered now, S/N 036, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Helio H391B
- Registry model: [Helio H-391B](https://openairdocs.org/model/helio-h-391b) (registry code 4300106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GO-435](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-go-435) (registry code 41520, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 036
- Engines: LYCOMING GO-435-C2B2 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dan Stover
- Registered owner: Dan Stover
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: PHX, PHOENIX, AZ
- Airport: PRC, Ernest Love Field, runway 21, 7,616 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 890 total, 19 in this make and model, 831 as pilot in command, 174 in the last 90 days, 48 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 65 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: PRC, 1 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 19910323007469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910323007469A), Mar 23, 1991: Helio H391B, Prescott, AZ, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on takeoff roll. Veered into crosswind. Left runway and ground looped.

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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