# NTSB MIA90LA115: Williams, Robert G. AIR COMM. 532 Elite, N70319, Indian Rks Bch, FL, May 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1990, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Indian Rks Bch, FL
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 15, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32652
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA90LA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32652/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90LA115

## Probable cause

LOSS OF POWER DUE TO THE OVERHEATED ENGINE CAUSED BY A SEPARATED LIQUID COOLANT LINE WHICH ALLOWED THE COOLANT TO DRAIN, RESULTING IN THE FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - cooling system,lines - vibration (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command
  - cooling system,lines - separation (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - unavailable
  - engine assembly - overtemperature (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, descent - emergency

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLT ABOUT 500 FT OFFSHORE, THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ENG COOLANT & OIL TEMPERATURE BEGAN RISING. HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON THE BEACH BUT WAS UNABLE, & LANDED JUST OFFSHORE. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE MAIN ROTOR MAST SEPARATED. EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT A LIQUID COOLANT LINE SEPARATED FROM THE RADIATOR, DUE TO VIBRATION. THIS ALLOWED THE COOLANT TO DRAIN. ACCORDING TO AN FAA INSPECTOR, THERE WAS NO AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE NOR ENG & ACFT LOGBOOKS. THE PLT HELD A STUDENT PLT CERTIFICATE BUT IT NOR HIS PLT LOGBOOK WAS ENDORSED AUTHORIZING SOLO FLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N70319](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N70319-1992-02-03), registration cancelled 1992-02-03, S/N 0459 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WILLIAMS, ROBERT G. AIR COMM. 532 ELITE (AIR COMM.)
- Registry model: [Williams Robert G AIR COMMAND 532ELITE](https://openairdocs.org/model/williams-robert-g-air-command-532elite) (registry code 130014P) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0459
- Engines: ROTAX 532 64 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Williams, Robert G.
- Departed: CLW, CLEARWATER, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 72; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 100 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIE, 8 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 19900502013239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900502013239A), May 2, 1990: Amtrac ELITE532, Indian Rocks Be, FL, Substantial damage. Engine overheated, shut down. Had to land in gulf waters offshore. Liquid coolant line separated.

## Other investigations on N70319 (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA89LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA060), Dec 31, 1988: Air Command 532E (N70319), Clearwater, FL, substantial damage

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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