# NTSB SEA99LA054: Wells Baby Lakes, N92JW, Monroe, WA, April 22, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 22, 1999, 12:08 local (19:08 UTC) - Place: Monroe, WA - Coordinates: 47.870624, -121.880607 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8706&lon=-121.8806&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report June 22, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46162 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA99LA054 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46162/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA054 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was attempting to fly the airplane outside of its weight and balance limits. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis The aircraft was observed maneuvering approximately 40 feet above the ground. During a climbing right turn, the aircraft abruptly nosed over and spiraled to the ground. The aircraft came to rest in a open field approximately 4 miles west of the departure airport. A calculated weight and balance, using the most current data, revealed an aft center of gravity for the aircraft. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. ## Factual narrative On April 22, 1999, approximately 1208 Pacific daylight time, a Wells Baby Lakes, N92JW, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged after it collided with the ground near a private airstrip in Monroe, Washington. The aircraft was being operated as a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. There was no fire and no report of an ELT actuating. The flight originated from the Firstair Airfield, Monroe, Washington, approximately 45 minutes prior to the accident. A witness, located approximately one mile east of the accident site, reported seeing a red biplane flying "quite low over our farm." The witness stated it appeared the aircraft was practicing touch and go landings, "but never quite touching the ground." The aircraft continued to maneuver in the area for approximately 20 minutes. The witness reported that the aircraft was maneuvering approximately 40 feet above the ground when it abruptly nosed over and spiraled into the ground. The most current weight and balance data for the aircraft, dated May 02, 1992, showed a basic empty weight of 579.5 pounds. According to the aircraft's logbooks the recommended center of gravity is 14 inches aft of datum, plus or minus 1.5 inches, making the total range 12.5 inches to 15.5 inches aft of datum. The weight and balance data for the aircraft was computed with the aircraft having an electric starter, battery and a wooden propeller. Examination of the aircraft wreckage revealed that the aircraft had been modified from its original state. The aircraft's electric starter and battery had been removed and the original wooden propeller had been replaced with a McCauley metal propeller. The aircraft's logbooks did not reflect the above changes and no evidence of a revised weight and balance calculation for the aircraft was found. A calculated weight and balance, using the most current data, revealed that with a 210 pound pilot and twelve gallons of fuel(full fuel), the center of gravity is approximately 19.2 inches aft of datum. With the same pilot weight and six gallons of fuel, the aircraft's center of gravity is approximately 17.27 inches aft of datum. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N92JW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N92JW-2000-02-07), registration cancelled 2000-02-07, S/N 2 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Wells BABY LAKES - Registry model: [Wells John E BABY LAKES](https://openairdocs.org/model/wells-john-e-baby-lakes) (registry code 3910282) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 02 - Airframe hours: 171 - Engines: Continental C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Gary A. Fitchen - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1998, 21 hours before - Departed: WA38, WA - Airport: WA38, Firstair Airfield ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 236 total, 53 in this make and model, 179 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 33.00 inHg - Observed at: PAE, 12 nm away ## 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 19990422004009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990422004009A), Apr 22, 1999: Monroe, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23)Aircraft imapcted ground approximately 475 feet from intended landing strip. Approximate heading of aircraft was 180 degrees on impact. Appreared to be… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.