# NTSB NYC91LA014: Stinson SR8C, N17116, Lakeville, MA, October 20, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 20, 1990, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Lakeville, MA
- Location: 41.8459° N, 70.9495° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Lakeville, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8459&lon=-70.9495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36827
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36827/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA014

## Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS ALTITUDE ABOVE THE LAKE WATER AND ALLOWED THE AIRPLANE TO DESCEND WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. FACTOR'S RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: CALM WINDS CAUSING THE LAKE WATER TO BE GLASSY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - proper altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - initiated, pilot in command
  - descent - initiated, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - water,glassy (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING HIS AIRPLANE AT A LOW ALTITUDE SIGHT- SEEING AND TAKING PICTURES OVER A LAKE. HE MADE A LEFT TURN IN ORDER TO GET THE SUN OUT OF HIS EYES. WHICH WAS REFLECTING OFF THE GLASSY WATER ON THE LAKE. AS THE PILOT MADE THE LEFT TURN THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED AND STRUCK THE WATER. THE PILOT SAID, 'CLOSER ATTENTION TO MY ALTITUDE WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS ACCIDENT.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N17116](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N17116), registered now, S/N 9801, built 1936 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON SR8C
- Registry model: [Stinson SR-8C](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-sr-8c) (registry code 8631408) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming R680E series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-r680e-series) (registry code 41545, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 9801
- Engines: LYCOMING R-680-E3B 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph Vintro, Jr, doing business as Mcgrath Air Leasing, Inc
- Departed: TAN, TAUNTON, MA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °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 19901020046529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901020046529A), Oct 20, 1990: Stnson SR8C, Lakeville, MA, Substantial damage. Low altitude photo flight over a lake. Blinded by sun flew into water. Failed check altitude. Water was glassy.

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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