# NTSB NYC89FA015: Beech A24R, N1RJ, Blue Bell, PA, October 20, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 20, 1988, 16:34 local (20:34 UTC)
- Place: Blue Bell, PA
- Coordinates: 40.139202, -75.259063 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1392&lon=-75.2591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36254
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89FA015
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36254/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89FA015

## Probable cause

IMPROPER VFR PROCEDURES, THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTIAN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED FOR THE ATTITUDE OF FLIGHT OF THE AIRPLANE CAUSING IT TO STALL AND COLLIDE WITH TREES AND A POWERLINE DURING RECOVERY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - vfr procedures - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER FLYING IFR FROM ROCHESTER, NEW YORK TO THE PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA AREA, THE PILOT CANCELLED IFR AND FLEW A VFR LEFT TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR RUNWAY 24 AT BLUE BELL AIRPORT. WITNESSES SAID THAT THE AIRPLANE APPEARED LOW AND CLOSE TO THE AIRPORT FOR A DOWNWIND. DURING THE BASE LEG TURN TO THE LEFT THE ANGLE OF BANK INCREASED TO ABOUT SIXTY DEGREES. THE NOSE OF THE AIRPLANE DROPPED AND THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED BELOW THE TREE LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1RJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1RJ-2013-06-12), registration cancelled 2013-06-12, S/N MC-99, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A24R
- Registry model: [Beech A24R](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a24r) (registry code 1151252) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MC-99
- Airframe hours: 1592
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Flying Musketeers Of Rochester
- Registered owner: Flying Musketeers Of Rochester
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 20, 1988, 167 hours before
- Departed: ROC, ROCHESTER, NY
- Destination: N67, BLUE BELL, PA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 478 total, 383 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19881020046989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881020046989A), Oct 20, 1988: Beech A24R, Blue Bell, PA, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Ascellerated stall in steep turn to base. Struck power line during recovery.

## Other investigations on N1RJ (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 NYC86LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA195), Jul 23, 1986: Beech A24R (N1RJ), Tunkhannock, 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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