# NTSB LAX92LA255: Stinson 108-3, N589C, Window Rock, AZ, June 19, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 19, 1992, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Window Rock, AZ
- Coordinates: 35.689449, -108.979888 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6894&lon=-108.9799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27655
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA255
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27655/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA255

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO CALCULATE THE AIRCRAFT'S PERFORMANCE DATA AND PERFORM A WEATHER EVAULUATION.  THE EXISTING HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - performance data - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - not performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

AFTER RECEIVING HIS PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING THE PILOT TOOK OFF IN HIS 166 HORSEPOWER, HEAVILY LOADED AIRPLANE, FROM AN AIRPORT WITH A DENSITY ALTITUDE OF 9,988 FEET MEAN SEA LEVEL. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE PILOT CALCULATED THE DENSITY ALTITUDE OR THE AIRCRAFT'S PERFORMANCE PRIOR TO THE TAKEOFF. AS THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED THROUGH 400 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND IT ENCOUNTERED A DOWN DRAFT AND BEGAN TO DESCEND.  THE AIRCRAFT THEN BEGAN TO CLIMB AGAIN AND THE PILOT ENTERED A TURN TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. DURING THE TURN, THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A DESCENT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N589C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N589C-2011-05-13), registration cancelled 2011-05-13, S/N 108-3589, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108-3
- Registry model: [Stinson 108-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108-3) (registry code 9230408) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4165 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4165-series) (registry code 27025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-3589
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-165-83 166 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Stone, Daniel K.
- Registered owner: Stone, Daniel K.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: P34
- Destination: OUF, DENVER, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 5,300 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 18,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GUP, 15 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 19920619025589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920619025589A), Jun 19, 1992: Univar 1083, Window Rock, AZ, Substantial damage. Downdrafts on climbout,unable to climb,turned back,another downdraft. Collided with terrain. High density altitude.

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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