# NTSB NYC91DFJ01: Sterns Sterns Longster, N891DS, Mayville, NY, July 1, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 1, 1991, 19:22 local (23:22 UTC)
- Place: Mayville, NY
- Coordinates: 42.249988, -79.500442 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2500&lon=-79.5004&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36749
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91DFJ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36749/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91DFJ01

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND SPIN AT A LOW ALTITUDE.  ALSO CAUSAL TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE OF THE PILOT IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - underconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS FLYING THE EXPERIMENTAL, HOME-BUILT AIRPLANE FOR THE FIRST TIME.  HE EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ABOUT FLYING THE AIRPLANE.  THE PILOT'S FAMILY ARRIVED AT THE AIRPORT WITH A VIDEO CAMERA TO RECORD THE FLIGHT. AFTER MUCH HESITATION, THE PILOT TOOK OFF.  HE CIRCLED THE AIRPORT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AT A LOW ALTITUDE.  THEN THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND SPUN INTO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N891DS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N891DS-2013-09-24), registration cancelled 2013-09-24, S/N 1, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STERNS STERNS LONGSTER (STERNS LON)
- Registry model: [Stearns Dick R LONGSTER](https://openairdocs.org/model/stearns-dick-r-longster) (registry code 056185T) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1
- Airframe hours: 5
- Engines: VOLKSWAGEN 07 reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dick R. Stearns
- Registered owner: Dick R. Stearns
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 25, 1991, 5 hours before
- Departed: D79, MAYVILLE, NY
- Airport: D79, Dart Airfield, runway 31, 2,700 × 75 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 300 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BFD, 20 nm away

## 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 19910701025179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910701025179A), Jul 1, 1991: Amtr LONGSTER, Mayville, NY, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Stalled and spun into gravel pit on homebuilt test flight.

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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