# NTSB LAX91LA348: Experimental DSA-1, N4077K, Kingman, AZ, August 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 4, 1991, 08:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Kingman, AZ
- Coordinates: 35.240768, -113.759071 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2408&lon=-113.7591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27319
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA348
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27319/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA348

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER ALTITUDE TO ENSURE TERRAIN CLEARANCE WHILE CONDUCTING LOW LEVEL AEROBATIC MANEUVERS, RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - intentional, pilot in command
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

IN A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW THE PILOT SAID THAT HE WAS PERFORMING A SERIES OF LOW LEVEL AEROBATIC MANEUVERS. DURING ONE SERIES HE SAID THE AIRCRAFT 'GOT AWAY FROM HIM' AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. IN HIS WRITTEN REPORT, THE PILOT ATTRIBUTED THE ACCIDENT TO WIND SHEAR. THE PILOT REPORTED NO ENGINE OR AIRCRAFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4077K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4077K-1995-11-14), registration cancelled 1995-11-14, S/N J5 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: EXPERIMENTAL DSA-1
- Registry model: [Smith Miniplane DSA-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-miniplane-dsa-1) (registry code 83501P3) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: J5
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James D. Janson

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 76; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,579 total, 25 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19910804032049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910804032049A), Aug 4, 1991: Amtrsm DSA1, Kingman, AZ, Substantial damage. Struck ground while performing low level acrobatics. Blamed windshear. Wind light and variable.

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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