# NTSB NYC89DGM01: Sharp FOX Model 1, N8387S, Loretto, PA, April 8, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 8, 1989, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Loretto, PA
- Coordinates: 40.499443, -78.629463 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4994&lon=-78.6295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36241
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89DGM01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36241/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89DGM01

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER HE TURNED FINAL HE REALIZED THAT HE 'NEEDED TO ADD POWER TO MAINTAIN A PROPER GLIDESLOPE. WHEN ADDING POWER THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESPOND.' THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE SO HE SET UP A GLIDE FOR THE PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES LOCATED OFF THE APPROACH END OF THE AIRSTRIP. POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-IMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8387S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8387S-1989-09-14), registration cancelled 1989-09-14, S/N 132 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SHARP FOX MODEL 1 (FOX MODEL)
- Registry model: [Sharp J/Sharp W KITFOX](https://openairdocs.org/model/sharp-j-sharp-w-kitfox) (registry code 05612YA) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 132
- Airframe hours: 26
- Engines: ROTAX 532LC 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph Sharp / William Sharp
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 10, 1989, 5 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 90 total, 26 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F

## 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 19890408007479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890408007479A), Apr 8, 1989: Amtrdf KITFOX, Loretto, PA, Substantial damage. Witness saw prop stop when aircraft on final then descended into trees. Engine checked normal. May have overboosted

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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