# NTSB NYC92LA099: Murdock/Gates/Field Kolb MK-III, N3146G, Boonville, NY, June 7, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 7, 1992, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Boonville, NY
- Coordinates: 43.480285, -75.330932 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4803&lon=-75.3309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37156
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA099
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37156/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA099

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED, RESULTING IN A STALL AND LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL.  A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS SEEN FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE.  A WITNESS SAID THE ENGINE 'DID NOT SOUND UNUSUAL.'  THE PILOT WAS PLANNING TO MEET FRIENDS AT THE AIRPORT NEAR THE CRASH SITE.  AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.  THE ENGINE WAS PLACED IN A TEST STAND AND PERFORMED SATISFACTORILY THOUUGH ALL POWER RANGES.'  THE PILOT HAD AN ESTIMATED TOTAL FLIGHT TIME OF 50 HOURS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3146G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3146G-1992-08-25), registration cancelled 1992-08-25, S/N M3059 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MURDOCK/GATES/FIELD KOLB MK-III (KOLB MK-II)
- Registry model: [Murdock/ Gates/ Field KOLB MK-III](https://openairdocs.org/model/murdock-gates-field-kolb-mk-iii) (registry code 05618GK) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: M3-059
- Engines: ROTAX 582 66 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David B. Field
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: PUT, HICKORY HOLLOW, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 50 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft

## 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 19920607018349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920607018349A), Jun 7, 1992: Amtr KOLBMK3, Boonville, NY, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Stalled and crashed approaching destination airport. Vertical impact.

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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