# NTSB MKC89FA104: Callair A-9, N3581G, Hamilton, MO, May 7, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 7, 1989, 17:55 local (22:55 UTC)
- Place: Hamilton, MO
- Coordinates: 39.740112, -93.999237 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7401&lon=-93.9992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34681
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89FA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34681/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA104

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND PREVENT THE AIRPLANE FROM DESCENDING WHILE IN A TURN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - flt control syst,rudder control cable/rod - failure,total (cause)
  - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PRACTICING AGRICULTURAL SPRAY RUNS WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AFTER MAKING A STEEP RIGHT TURN TO ALIGN WITH THE FIELD, THE ACFT DESCENDED AND IMPACTED THE TERRAIN.A POST-CRASH FIRE ENSUED. METALLURGICAL EXAM OF THE RUDDER CABLE REVEALED THAT ALL WIRES ON FOUR OF THE SEVEN CABLE STRANDS WERE WORN THROUGH. THE PLT WAS THOUGHT TO HAVE HAD LESS THAN 100 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE. A TEARDOWN OF THE ENGINE FAILED TO REVEAL ANY ANOMALIES WHICH WOULD HAVE SUGGESTED A FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3581G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3581G-1994-08-02), registration cancelled 1994-08-02, S/N 1244 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CALLAIR A-9
- Registry model: [Intermountain CALLAIR A-9](https://openairdocs.org/model/intermountain-callair-a-9) (registry code 4570620) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1244
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2N5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Anderson, John Kurt
- Registered owner: John Kurt Anderson
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 6K1, MARCELINE, MO
- Destination: 6K1, MARCELINE, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 100 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCI, 42 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 19890507012449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890507012449A), May 7, 1989: Airpts A9, Hamilton, MO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. During aerial agricultural spray pratice,rudder cable separated during a steep turn. Pilot lost control and crashed.

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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