# NTSB SEA89LA090: Stits SA-3A, N2278P, Jackpot, NV, May 21, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 21, 1989, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Jackpot, NV
- Coordinates: 41.880943, -114.780136 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8809&lon=-114.7801&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 12, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41016
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA090
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41016/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA090

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE WIND COMPENSATION BY THE PILOT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE GUSTY GROSSWINDS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS LANDING IN GUSTY CROSSWIND. THE ACFT VEERED OFF RUNWAY, RECROSSED RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE ATTEMPTED THE LANDING IN SUCH WINDY CONDITIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2278P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2278P-2012-08-31), registration cancelled 2012-08-31, S/N 333, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STITS SA-3A
- Registry model: [Fuller PLAYBOY SA3A](https://openairdocs.org/model/fuller-playboy-sa3a) (registry code 8650808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 333
- Airframe hours: 300
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8F 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Edward Tadlock
- Registered owner: Edward J Tadlock
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 17, 1989, 3 hours before
- Departed: TWF, TWIN FALLS, ID
- Airport: 06U, Jackpot, runway 15, 5,277 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 365 total, 2 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19890521012389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890521012389A), May 21, 1989: Amtrsa STITSSA3A, Jackpot, NV, Substantial damage. Went off runway and flipped over trying to land in gusty crosswind.

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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