# NTSB NYC89LA133: Naval Aircraft Factory N3N, N4742C, Canaan, CT, May 20, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 20, 1989, 14:10 local (18:10 UTC)
- Place: Canaan, CT
- Location: 42.0401° N, 73.3329° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Canaan, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0401&lon=-73.3329&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36409
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA133
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36409/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA133

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF POWER DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE LOST POWER AFTER TAKEOFF AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO COMPLETE THE TURN AND THE AIRPLANE CONTACTED THE GROUND SHORT OF A HILL ON THE LEFT WING SPINNING THE AIRPLANE & COLLAPSING THE GEAR. POST CRASH EXAMINATION REVEALED FUEL IN THE TANKS AND SUMPS. HOWEVER, WHEN THE STRAINER WAS DRAINED, THE FUEL CONTAINED A LOT OF CONTAMINANTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4742C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4742C), registered now, S/N 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: NAVAL AIRCRAFT FACTORY N3N
- Registry model: [Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/naval-aircraft-factory-n3n-3) (registry code 6120202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1970
- Engines: WRIGHT R-760-8 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Stanley Segalla
- Registered owner: Lawrence Smith, III
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 23, 1988, 8 hours before
- Departed: CANAAN, CT
- Airport: Canaan

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 12,000 total, 4 in this make and model, 12,000 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890520012689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890520012689A), May 20, 1989: Naval N3N3, Canaan, CT, Substantial damage. Engine quit on climbout. Tried to return. Wing struck ground and spun aircraft around. Contaminates in fuel.

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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