Accident Aero Commander 100 N4003X, Monday 26 May 1986

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Date:	Monday 26 May 1986
Time:	08:30 LT
Type:	Aero Commander 100
Owner/operator:	William Roberts
Registration:	N4003X
MSN:	212
Total airframe hrs:	482 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320-A2B
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Eufaula, AL - United States of America
Phase:	Landing
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Cordele, GA (02J)
Destination airport:	Bay Minette, AL (IR8)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
DURING A DESCENT OF 400-500 FPM AT 120-125 MPH THE WINDSHIELD BLEW INTO THE AIRCRAFT. A PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE ACFT, FOLDED UP SO AS TO JUT ABOVE THE CABIN ROOF AND ACTED AS A SPOILER. LEVEL FLIGHT COULD NOT BE MAINTAINED DUE TO THE INCREASED DRAG AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A PLOWED FIELD. THE PASSENGER REPORTED THATTHERE WAS A PRE-EXISTING CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD 8 TO 10 INCHES IN LENGTH FROM THE RIGHT CORNER TOWARD THE CENTER. THE ENDS OF THE CRACK WERE STOP DRILLED AND BOLTS INSTALLED IN THE DRILLED HOLES.

Probable Cause:

Accident investigation: