# NTSB SEA91LA226: Ryan Navion, N4111K, Chelan, WA, September 1, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 1, 1991, 12:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Chelan, WA
- Coordinates: 47.890178, -119.990798 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8902&lon=-119.9908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41526
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA226
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41526/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA226

## Probable cause

POOR IN FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DOWN DRAFTS, PROPER ALIGNMENT WAS NOT MAINTAINED AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - runway
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

JUST AFTER TAKE OFF, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A DOWN DRAFT.  THE PILOT LOWERED THE NOSE OF THE AIRPLANE TO INCREASE AIRSPEED AND MADE A RIGHT TURN PASSING OVER BUILDINGS, HANGARS, AND THE PARKING RAMP.  THE AIRPLANE COMPLETED A 360 DEGREE TURN AND THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE RAMP.  THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO FLY THE AIRPLANE AND RETURNED FOR LANDING WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4111K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4111K), registered now, S/N NAV-4-1111 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RYAN NAVION
- Registry model: [Ryan NAVION](https://openairdocs.org/model/ryan-navion) (registry code 6150160) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: NAV-4-1111
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Donald V. Hanks
- Airport: S10, Chelan, runway 2, 3,539 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 135 total, 19 in this make and model, 75 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 13 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

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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