# NTSB MIA92LA054: Smith/Davis DA-2A, N3093, Holly Springs, MS, January 4, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 4, 1992, 13:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Holly Springs, MS
- Coordinates: 34.769084, -89.440338 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7691&lon=-89.4403&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33049
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92LA054
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33049/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA054

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER MANAGEMENT OF FUEL. THIS RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCING FUEL EXHAUSTION, FORCED LANDING, AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED VFR FROM RESACA, GEORGIA, BETWEEN 1000-1015 EST TO HOLLY SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI. NO FLIGHT PLAN WAS FILED. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE AT 1315 CST ABOUT 30 FEET AGL ABOVE THE TREES. THE AIRPLANE WAS PROCEEDING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE HOLLY SPRINGS AIRPORT WITH THE ENGINE SPUTTERING. THE AIRPLANE MADE A RIGHT TURN AND LEVELED OUT. THE RIGHT WING DROPPED DOWN 90 DEGREES AND RETURNED BACK TO THE LEVEL POSITION. THE NOSE OF THE AIRPLANE PITCHED UP, THE RIGHT WING DROPPED DOWN, THE ENGINE QUIT, AND THE AIRPLANE DISAPPEARED BELOW THE TREE LINE AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRFRAME, FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM, ENGINE ASSEMBLY, PROPELLER SYSTEM, AND ACCESSORIES REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PRECRASH MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT RUPTURED AND NO FUEL WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3093](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3093-1994-08-24), registration cancelled 1994-08-24, S/N 78 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SMITH/DAVIS DA-2A
- Registry model: [Smith-Davis DA-2A](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-davis-da-2a) (registry code 83501J1) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 78
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gregory G. Kane
- Registered owner: Gary L. Shirley
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 21, 1991, 10 hours before
- Departed: 0A5, RESACA, GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 28 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 19920104000079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920104000079A), Jan 4, 1992: Amtrdv DAVISDA2A, Holly Springs, GA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Circling area at tree top level. Engine quit, stalled into trees. Fuel tank empty,had deviated due weather en route

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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