1 fatal · Grumman G-21A · 1999-03-25 · LAUDERDALE LAKE, FL, USA
Event
NTSB number
MIA99FA114
Event ID
20001205X00358
Type
Accident
Date
1999-03-25
Location
LAUDERDALE LAKE, FL, USA
Coordinates
26.189264, -80.169265
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
1
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
Grumman
Model
G-21A
Registration
N5548A
FAR Part
091
Engines
2
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The pilots failure to correctly identify an in-flight emergency (fluctuating manifold pressure and rpm due to a disconnected spark plug lead / unscrewed ignition lead shroud) and failure to complete the engine shutdown procedure once it was initiated (propeller not feathered). This resulted in a forced landing and subsequent in-flight collision with a tree, dirt bank and canal. Contributing to the accident was the FAA inspectors improper supervision of the pilot, and the improper supervision of the inspector by her supervisor, in his failure to follow written procedures / directives in assigning a non-current inspector to conduct a competency flight.