# NTSB MKC90LA003: Stits-Itrich SA6B, N7914A, Swan, IA, October 1, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 1, 1989, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Swan, IA
- Coordinates: 41.470199, -93.300926 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4702&lon=-93.3009&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34890
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90LA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34890/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA003

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR THE GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - aircraft parked/standing

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND HIS HOMEBUILT ACFT, DURING GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, THE AIRCRAFT BOUNCED, THEN VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPORT'S TOUCHDOWN AREA ON THE 1300 FOOT LONG RUNWAY WAS DOWNWIND FROM THE HANGARS WHICH WOULD BE CONDUCIVE FOR CAUSING WINDS SHEAR AND TURBULENCE IN THE LANDING AREA. THE PILOT ESTIMATED THAT THE WINDS WERE OUT OF THE SOUTH AT 18 KNOTS, WITH GUSTS TO 25 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7914A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: STITS-ITRICH SA6B
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 116
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Zeck, Wayne M.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airport: NONE, Nutter, runway 26, 1,300 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 851 total, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Observed at: DSM, 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 19891001057329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891001057329A), Oct 1, 1989: Amtr SA6B, Swan, IA, Substantial damage. Bounced landing,lost control. Left downwind side of runway and hit aircraft. Windshear, turbulence from buildings.

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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