# NTSB NYC07CA090: Navion A, N4047K, Marlboro, MA, March 31, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: March 31, 2007, 16:20 local (20:20 UTC)
- Place: Marlboro, MA
- Coordinates: 42.343055, -71.508888
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3431&lon=-71.5089&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 27, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 65522
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC07CA090
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65522/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07CA090

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath to the runway.

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that the Navion A encountered little turbulence or crosswind when he entered the airport traffic pattern for landing, and that there were no problems with the handling and performance of the airplane.  After completing before-landing checks, and with the airplane aligned on the final leg of the approach for landing, the pilot anticipated "lifting" and "sinking" effects as the airplane crossed two rows of trees prior to the landing threshold.  After crossing the first row of trees, the pilot applied power, but the sink rate was greater than he anticipated, and the airplane struck the second row of trees, then impacted the ground.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that the Navion A encountered little turbulence or crosswind when he entered the airport traffic pattern for landing, and that there were no problems with the handling and performance of the airplane.  After completing before-landing checks, and with the airplane aligned on the final leg of the approach for landing, the pilot anticipated "lifting" and "sinking" effects as the airplane crossed two rows of trees prior to the landing threshold.  After crossing the first row of trees, the pilot applied power, but the sink rate was greater than he anticipated, and the airplane struck the second row of trees, then impacted the ground.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4047K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4047K), registered now, S/N NAV-4-1047 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Navion A
- Registry model: [Navion NAVION A](https://openairdocs.org/model/navion-navion-a) (registry code 6150104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: NAV-4-1047
- Engines: Continental E185 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James  Grenier
- Registered owner: James M Grenier
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ASH, NASHUA, NH
- Destination: 9B1, MARLBORO, MA
- Airport: 9B1, Marlboro Airport, runway 32, 1,659 × 45 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; injuries: serious; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; flight hours: 3,548 total, 600 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 20070331003429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070331003429A), Mar 31, 2007: Tmpson NAVIONA, Marlboro, MA, Destroyed. (-23) Pilot stated on a flight from ash to 9B1 at approximately 4:20 p.m. while on final approach aircraft hit trees approximately 50' from the end of runway…

## Other investigations on N4047K (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 NYC66F0363](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC66F0363), Nov 21, 1965: Navion A (N4047K), Morrisville, PA, 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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