# NTSB SEA89LA011: Roman LONG-EZ, N38AJ, Salmon, ID, October 10, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 9, 1988, 18:00 local (Oct 10, 1988, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Salmon, ID
- Coordinates: 45.000194, -113.860763 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0002&lon=-113.8608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40950
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40950/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA011

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - haze/smoke (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PURPOSE OF THE FLIGHT WAS TO SPOT WILD GAME DURING FEEDING TIME (AT DUSK). THE SURVIVING PASSENGER ESTIMATED THE FLIGHT VISIBILITY WAS ABOUT ONE TO TWO MI WITH SMOKE. WHILE FLYING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO RUGGED, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, THE ACFT STRUCK A TREE ON A RIDGE AT APRX 7500 FT & CRASHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38AJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N38AJ-1991-04-10), registration cancelled 1991-04-10, S/N 1538 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROMAN LONG-EZ
- Registry model: [Roman Edwin R LONG-EZ](https://openairdocs.org/model/roman-edwin-r-long-ez) (registry code 056099N) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1538
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Edwin Roman
- Registered owner: Edwin R Roman
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: SMN, SALMON, ID
- Destination: S72, ST MARIES, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,900 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °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 19881009046289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881009046289A), Oct 9, 1988: Amtrru VARIEZELONG, Salmon, ID, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck trees on a ridge on low level sheep spotting flight. Noted was dusk,low visibility from smoke. Fouled plugs

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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