# NTSB SEA89LA151: Navion A, N8796H, Ely, NV, August 16, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 16, 1989, 11:50 local (18:50 UTC)
- Place: Ely, NV
- Coordinates: 36.040409, -114.930763 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0404&lon=-114.9308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 5, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41064
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA151
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41064/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA151

## Probable cause

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED TO REMAIN AIRBORNE AFTER LIFT-OFF, AND AN INADVERTENT STALL. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  THE PILOT'S ATTEMPT TO FLY THE AIRCRAFT WITH EXCESSIVE GROSS WEIGHT AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO CLIMB ABOUT 50 TO 100 FT AGL, THEN IT BEGAN TO LOSE ALTITUDE. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE NOSE DIPPED & RAISED, THEN THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE RUNWAY. CONTRABAND & UNCERTIFIED FUEL TANKS WERE FOUND ON BOARD THE PLANE. IT WAS ESTIMATED TO HAVE BEEN LOADED TO 2927 LBS (377 LBS OVER ITS MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT). DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS ABOUT 9600 FT. THE AIRPLANE'S LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS DATED 5/16/86.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - runway

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8796H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8796H-2012-11-15), registration cancelled 2012-11-15, S/N NAV-4-796, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: NAVION A
- Registry model: [Navion NAVION A](https://openairdocs.org/model/navion-navion-a) (registry code 6150104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E225 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e225-series) (registry code 17015, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: NAV-4-796
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-185-9 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Roy Garrison
- Destination: GJT, GRAND JUNCTION, CO
- Airport: ELY, Yelland Field, runway 18, 5,998 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 45 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19890816030189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890816030189A), Aug 16, 1989: Tmpson NAVIONA, Ely, NV, Substantial damage. Tried to depart at high density altitude and 377 lbs over gross. Unable to climb, hit runway, tail first.

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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