# NTSB MIA05CA161: Vans RV-3, N993FL, Bell, FL, September 26, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 25, 2005, 20:15 local (Sep 26, 2005, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Bell, FL
- Coordinates: 29.814167, -82.925552
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8142&lon=-82.9256&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Tampa FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62553
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA05CA161
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62553/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05CA161

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout during a VFR approach toward the runway resulting in-flight collision with trees. Factors in this accident are no lights for the grass strip runway and attempting to land  in low natural light visibility conduction.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - not installed (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

The pilot stated that the runway was less visible than anticipated, partly due to the scattered clouds. He made several passes to identify the runway. It looked to him he had it made but veered off, possible looking at the altimeter, and hit the top of a tree. The airplane separated in several sections from the impact. The section he was in hung from the tree a few feet above the ground in an up-side down position. He released the seat belt restraints and ran for help to put out the fire as a result of the crash.

## Factual narrative

This report is based on information received by the NTSB.  Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case.  For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N993FL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N993FL-2017-06-21), registration cancelled 2017-06-21, S/N 488, built 2000 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Vans Aircraft RV-3
- Registry model: [Lassen Finn VANS RV-3A FINN LASE](https://openairdocs.org/model/lassen-finn-vans-rv-3a-finn-lase) (registry code 05607K9) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 488
- Airframe hours: 575
- Engines: Mazda 13B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Finn Lassen
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: CLW, Clearwater, FL
- Destination: 9FL5, Bell, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review July 1, 2004; seat: center; flight hours: 747 total, 565 in this make and model, 714 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.03 inHg
- Observed at: KCTY

## 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 20050925027789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050925027789A), Sep 25, 2005: Amtr RV3A, Bell, FL, Destroyed. (-23) The pilot reported the visibility as less than anticipated due to scattered clouds in the vicinity. He stated that after several passes had been executed…

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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