Amateur-built AA-1B accident near Patterson, Louisiana, November 19, 2001
On November 19, 2001 at about 11:30 pm local time, a amateur-built AA-1B, registered N6530L, was substantially damaged in an accident near Patterson, Louisiana (Harry P. Williams Memorial airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was killed. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's mismanagement of fuel with the positioning of the fuel selector in the off position and his failure to maintain airspeed resulting in fuel starvation, and the airplane entering into a stall.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- November 19, 2001 · about 11:30 pm local time
- Place
- Patterson, Louisiana · Harry P. Williams Memorial · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was killed.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built AA-1B
- Registration
- N6530L · no longer on the register · serial AA1B-0330
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot taxied the airplane to the runway for takeoff. A witness reported that after liftoff, the airplane began a "shallow climb." When the airplane was at an approximate altitude of 90-100 feet agl, the engine lost power, regained partial power and then lost power again. The witness observed the airplane's nose lower. The witness stated that he thought the airplane was going to continue straight ahead; however, the airplane made an "abrupt" steep right bank. The airplane then nosed down and impacted the ground. The witness stated that the airplane's bank angle "appeared to go past 90 degrees." Examination of the airplane revealed the fuel selector was in the off position, and the left and right main fuel tanks were breached; however, there was usable fuel found in the left main tank and indications of fuel spillage near the separated right wing. No pre-impact mechanical deficiencies were noted during an examination of the engine, which would have precluded normal operation. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Flight time: 9,000 hours in all
- Medical certificate: Class 2 (valid medical--w/ waivers/lim.)
- Seat: left
- Injury: fatal
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1,723.8 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, February 15, 2001; 18.3 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,560 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming O-235-C2C (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: PTN Patterson LA at 11:30 pm
- Destination: L83 Thibodaux LA
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 6, 5,399 ft by 150 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: dusk
- Wind: from 250° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 66°F (19°C), dew point 32°F (0°C)
- Altimeter: 30.14 inHg
- Observation at 11:35 pm from PTN
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.