# NTSB WPR13FA388: American AA-1A, N61VT, Desert Center, CA, August 26, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: August 26, 2013, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Desert Center, CA - Coordinates: 33.380001, -115.364997 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3800&lon=-115.3650&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 2 fatal - Status: Completed, report July 30, 2015 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA FSDO, Lycoming Engines - SAIBs cited in the narratives: [SAIB CE-09-35](https://openairdocs.org/saib/CE-09-35) (OpenAirDocs) - NTSB case key (mKey): 87866 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR13FA388 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/87866/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87866 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13FA388 ## Probable cause The pilot's abrupt maneuver, which resulted in an accelerated stall and a loss of airplane control at low altitude. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [American AA-1A, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0630710), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [American AA-1A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=0630710), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [American AA-1A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=0630710), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) - [Health/Fitness: use of medication/drugs](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02013020): Personnel issues › Physical · Pilot; cases with it: [American AA-1A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02013020/cases.md?model=0630710), [All aircraft, 73 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02013020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [American AA-1A, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=0630710), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [American AA-1A, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0630710), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot was on an aerial photography mission during day visual flight rules conditions. A witness located near the accident site reported that he saw the airplane about 1,000 ft above the ground when it made a sharp, 180-degree turn. The airplane's wings then dipped side-to-side, and he could see the top and bottom of the airplane. The airplane's nose started to move down, and it then abruptly moved back up while the airplane proceeded in an easterly direction. The airplane entered a second nosedive and then rolled 180 degrees counterclockwise before it crashed. Several witnesses reported hearing the engine stop, pop, or sputter at some point in their observations of the airplane. However, postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the airplane's observed attitude while maneuvering, it is likely that the pilot entered an accelerated stall and subsequent loss of airplane control from which he did not recover. Although toxicological testing detected the sedating antihistamine diphenhydramine in the pilot's liver, insufficient evidence existed to determine whether pilot impairment from the medication contributed to the accident. ## Factual narrative Carburetor Ice The carburetor icing probability chart from FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB): CE-09-35 Carburetor Icing Prevention, June 30, 2009, shows a probability of icing at cruise/glide power and serious icing at glide power at the temperature/dew point (90/70 F) reported at the time of the accident. Stalls According to the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A), under the Accelerated Stalls section, "At the same gross weight, airplane configuration, and power setting, a given airplane will consistently stall at the same indicated airspeed if no acceleration is involved. The airplane will, however, stall at a higher indicated airspeed when excessive maneuvering loads are imposed by steep turns, pull-ups, or other abrupt changes in its flight path. Stalls entered from such flight situations are called 'accelerated maneuver stalls,' a term, which has no reference to the airspeeds involved. Stalls which result from abrupt maneuvers tend to be more rapid, or severe, than the unaccelerated stalls, and because they occur at higher-than-normal airspeeds, and/or may occur at lower than anticipated pitch attitudes, they may be unexpected by an inexperienced pilot. Failure to take immediate steps toward recovery when an accelerated stall occurs may result in a complete loss of flight control, notably, power-on spins." The airplane was a Grumman AA1-A, serial number AA1A-0047. No maintenance logbooks were recovered for the airplane. The engine was a Lycoming O-320-E2G, serial number L-48438-27A. On August 26, 2013, about 1330 Pacific daylight time, a Grumman AA-1A, N61VT, collided with terrain near Desert Center, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91. The commercial pilot and one passenger sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. The local aerial photography flight departed Desert Center Airport at an undetermined time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. There had recently been heavy rains and localized flooding in the area. The purpose of the flight was to assess any damage to a solar power facility. A Sheriff's Deputy observed the accident. He saw the airplane about 1,000 feet above the ground, and making erratic maneuvers. The airplane was traveling in a westerly direction, and made a sharp U-turn to the east. The deputy started discussing the maneuver with his passengers while observing the airplane's wings dip side-to-side, exposing the top and bottom of the airplane. The nose started to move down toward the ground, and then abruptly moved back up toward the sky while still proceeding in an easterly direction. The airplane started a second nosedive toward the ground, and turned counterclockwise exposing the top of the airplane before it crashed into the ground. Eleven witnesses were involved in work on a nearby fence line. Three ofthem reported observing the airplane make an abrupt turn from west to the east. Seven reported hearing the engine stop, pop, or sputter at some point in their observations; three did not report any engine cutouts. The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner completed an autopsy, and determined that the cause of death was multiple blunt impact injuries. The FAA Forensic Toxicology Research Team, Oklahoma City, performed toxicological testing of specimens of the pilot. Analysis of the specimens for the pilot contained no findings for volatiles; they did not perform tests for carbon monoxide or cyanide. The report contained the following findings for tested drugs: diphenhydramine detected in liver; pseudoephedrine detected in muscle and liver; and ibuprophen detected in liver. An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for Blythe (KBLH), California, elevation 399 feet, 33 nautical miles (nm) east of the accident site, issued at 1352 stated: wind from 330 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 18 knots; visibility 10 miles; sky clear; temperature 32/90 degrees C/F; dew point 21/70 degrees C/F; altimeter 29.88 inches of mercury. A review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records revealed that the 41-year-old pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. The pilot held a third-class medical certificate issued in July 19, 2011, with no limitations or waivers. No personal flight records were located for the pilot. The IIC obtained the aeronautical experience listed in this report from a review of the FAA airmen medical records on file in the Airman and Medical Records Center located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The pilot reported on his medical application that he had a total time of 750 hours with 0 hours logged in the previous 6 months. Investigators from the NTSB, FAA, and Lycoming Engines examined the wreckage at Aircraft Recovery Service, Littlerock, California, on August 28, 2013. No discrepancies were observed that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane or its components. A full report is contained within the public docket for this accident. Removal of the top spark plugs revealed that all center electrodes were circular and clean with no mechanical deformation. The spark plug electrode for cylinder number one was wet from a black fluid. The other electrodes were gray, which corresponded to normal operation according to the Champion Aviation Check-A-Plug AV-27 Chart. A borescope inspection revealed no mechanical deformation on the valves, cylinder walls, or internal cylinder head. The crankshaft was manually rotated with a tool in an accessory drive gear. The crankshaft rotated freely, and the valves moved approximately the same amount of lift in firing order. The gears in the accessory case turned freely. Thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders in firing order. The magnetos' driveshafts were manually rotated and both magnetos produced sparkat all posts. The spinner was crushed aft to the hub. One propeller blade had leading edge polishing, and was twisted toward the low pitch, high rpm position. The other blade was twisted toward the low pitch, high rpm position. The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC) traveled in support of this investigation, and performed an examination of the wreckage on scene. A detailed report is in the public docket for this accident. The airplane came to rest upright. The cabin section was consumed by fire. The vertical stabilizer separated, and was 30 feet aft of the empennage. The propeller separated from the flange, and was about 3 feet in front of the engine. The engine was nose down with the propeller flange touching the dirt. The IIC established control continuity on scene for the elevator and rudder. Debris prevented examination of the aileron system. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N61VT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N61VT-2018-01-05), registration cancelled 2018-01-05, S/N AA1A-0047, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AMERICAN AVIATION AA-1A - Registry model: [American AA-1A](https://openairdocs.org/model/american-aa-1a) (registry code 0630710) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: AA1A-0047 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2G 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Other work use, Part 91 - Operator: Michael Cyr - Registered owner: Michael Cyr - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: Desert Center, CA - Destination: Desert Center, CA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 41; injuries: fatal; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 750 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 13 knots, gusting 18 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 29.87 inHg - Observed at: KBLH ## 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 20130826022389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130826022389A), Aug 26, 2013: American Aviation AA-1A, Desert Center, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. N61VT, Grumman AA-1A yankee, crashed while photographing flood damage of local solar power plant. Two persons on board with fatal injuries. Aircraft destroyed… ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 14, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87866. 23.0 MB in all. - Witness Statements (item 1, .PDF, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429183&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Sheriff Wreckage Diagram (item 2, .PDF, 203 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429184&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Sheriff%20Wreckage%20Diagram-Master.PDF - On Site Examination Notes (item 3, .PDF, 14 photos, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429189&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=On%20Site%20Examination%20Notes-Master.PDF - Airframe and Engine Examination Notes (item 4, .PDF, 18 photos, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429191&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airframe%20and%20Engine%20Examination%20Notes-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 5, .PDF, 106 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429193&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF - Evidence Control Form (item 6, .PDF, 76 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429194&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Evidence%20Control%20Form-Redacted.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 7, .PDF, 113 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429192&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Master.PDF - Photo 1 - Left Rear View of Main Wreckage (item 8, .PDF, 3.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429185&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Left%20Rear%20View%20of%20Main%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Photo 2 - Right Side of Main Wreckage (item 9, .PDF, 3.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429186&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Right%20Side%20of%20Main%20Wreckage-Master.PDF - Photo 3 - Engine Site (item 10, .PDF, 4.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429187&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20-%20Engine%20Site-Master.PDF - Photo 4 - Propeller Site (item 11, .PDF, 4.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40429188&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%20-%20Propeller%20Site-Master.PDF 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.