Summary
On June 20, 1998, a Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 (N45053) was involved in an accident near Skull Valley, AZ. The accident resulted in 2 serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while maneuvering at a low altitude.
On June 20, 1998, about 1015 hours mountain standard time, a vintage Naval Aircraft Factory, N3N-3, N45053, was destroyed while maneuvering near Skull Valley, Arizona. Both pilots received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Prescott, Arizona, at 0930.
The aircraft had recently returned to service after a complete restoration. During a telephone interview of the owner/pilot on July 6, 1998, he stated that the aircraft had accumulated 19 flight hours since the restoration. He further stated that the aircraft and engine were operating normally and were not the cause of the accident.
This accident is documented in NTSB report LAX98LA207. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N45053.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while maneuvering at a low altitude.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 20, 1998, about 1015 hours mountain standard time, a vintage Naval Aircraft Factory, N3N-3, N45053, was destroyed while maneuvering near Skull Valley, Arizona. Both pilots received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Prescott, Arizona, at 0930.
The aircraft had recently returned to service after a complete restoration. During a telephone interview of the owner/pilot on July 6, 1998, he stated that the aircraft had accumulated 19 flight hours since the restoration. He further stated that the aircraft and engine were operating normally and were not the cause of the accident.
The pilot did not return the Safety Board's Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, form 6120.1/2. He did provide copies of restoration and modification, FAA Form 337, and other approvals, which are attached to this report.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX98LA207