# NTSB NYC91LA177: Cessna L-19, N5237G, Franconia, NH, July 9, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 9, 1991, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Franconia, NH
- Location: 44.2270° N, 71.7479° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Franconia, NH, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.2270&lon=-71.7479&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36961
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA177
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36961/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA177

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/SPIN AND IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR WINDS AND DOWNDRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT RELEASED THE GLIDER ABOUT 1000 FEET ABOVE THE TERRAIN.  HE STARTED A DESCENDING TURN AWAY FROM THE GLIDER AND TOWARDS THE RIDGE.  THE PILOT SAID, 'I STARTED TO PULL BACK ON THE CONTROLS WITH NO RESPONSE.  I PULLED HARD AND WENT INTO A SPIN...[I] PULLED OUT IN TIME AND HIT THE TOPS OF THE TREES...'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5237G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5237G), registered now, S/N 22770 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA L-19
- Registry model: [Cessna 305A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-305a) (registry code 2074002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22770
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-1182 213 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Stanley Parker, Jr.
- Registered owner: Stanley Parker, Jr.
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, unknown; flight hours: 346 total, 21 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command, 140 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 40 knots
- Visibility: 99 statute miles
- 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 19910709054049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910709054049A), Jul 9, 1991: Cessna L19, Franconia, NH, Destroyed. Released glider tow over a ridge. Encountered severe downdraft. Went into spin,recovered just prior striking trees.

## Other investigations on N5237G (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 CHI03LA321](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA321), Sep 25, 2003: Cessna 305A (N5237G), New Richmond, WI, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control. The pilot's in-flight selection of the wrong runway and excessive application of brake pressure are…

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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