# NTSB NYC89LA144: Alon Aircoupe A-2, N6589Q, Cattaraugus, NY, June 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 2, 1989, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Cattaraugus, NY
- Coordinates: 42.32096, -78.85997 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3210&lon=-78.8600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36419
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36419/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA144

## Probable cause

ENGINE POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION RESULTING FROM THE INSTALLATION OF AN IMPROPER FUEL PUMP. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: TREES IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,pump - incorrect (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES. AN EXAM REVEALED AN INCORRECT FUEL PUMP HAD BEEN INSTALLED THAT PREVENTED FUEL FROM FLOWING TO THE HEADER TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6589Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6589Q-2013-04-30), registration cancelled 2013-04-30, S/N A-89, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ALON AIRCOUPE A-2 (AIRCOUPE A)
- Registry model: [Alon A2](https://openairdocs.org/model/alon-a2) (registry code 0540102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: A-89
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-16F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Andrew D.Kasper
- Registered owner: Aellen Hudgins
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 3DA, FLUSHING, MI
- Destination: WELLSVILLE, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 775 total, 10 in this make and model, 700 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 20 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 61 °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 19890602018509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890602018509A), Jun 2, 1989: Univar A2ALON, Cattaraugus, NY, Destroyed. Ran header fuel tank dry en route with fuel in wing tanks. Crashed in trees. Wrong type fuel pump had been installed

## Other investigations on N6589Q (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 CHI88LA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA133), Jun 2, 1988: Alon A2 (N6589Q), Flushing, MI, 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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