Fly Baby Accident Reports

September 2002 update:  The NTSB has added the basic reports for pre-1983 to their database.  They don't have the detailed reports available online, though I've summarized the older reports at the end of this page.

Now that we've got all the reports back to the '60s, I've also added a cursory analysis.

THE PLT STATED THE ACFT LOST LATERAL CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF. HE REDUCED POWER AND LANDED THE ACFT OFF THE SIDE OF THE RWY WHILE MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL USING THE RUDDER. THE ACFT STALLED AT ABOUT 20 FT AGL AND WAS DAMAGED

DURING THE HARD LANDING. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE AILERONS WERE NOT OPERATIVE BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT CONNECTED DURING THE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.

Probable Cause

AFTER WASHING HIS AIRCRAFT THE PLT DPTD THE AIRPORT FOR A LCL FLIGHT. THE FLIGHT LASTED FOR APPROX. 30 MIN. WHEN THE PLT STATED THE END BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE TO THE AIRPORT. THE ACFT STALLED IMPACTING THE GROUND SHORT OF THE RWY. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE GROUND AT AN APPROXIMATE 40 DEGREE ANGLE. INSP OF THE ACFT ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

Probable Cause

ON SECOND TAKEOFF, AN ABRUPT LOSS OF POWER WAS EXPERIENCED. ON FLARE FOR THE EMERGENCY, OFF AIRPORT LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD ON RISING TERRAIN, BOUNCED AND CAME TO REST INVERTED.

Probable Cause

THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ACFT BANKED EXCESSIVELY DURING THE LEFT TURN FROM BASE TO FINAL. OPPOSITE CONTROL INPUT WAS APPLIED, HOWEVER, THE PLT REPORTED THE "STICK SEEMED TO HAVE NO RIGHT MOVEMENT." FULL POWER WAS APPLIED BUT THE BANK STEEPENED SO POWER WAS REMOVED. CONTROL INPUT WAS ATTEMPTED AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE ACFT YAWED 80 DEGREES RIGHT AND THE LEFT WING LIFTED 45 DEGREES. THE ACFT THEN CONTINUED IN THE DESCENT TO GROUND IMPACT. THE PLT SUGGESTED THAT DUE TO REDUCED SPACE IN THE FRONT COCKPIT, THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER MAY HAVE RESTRICTED THE CONTROL MOVEMENT. FLIGHT CONTROL CONTINUITY COULD NOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO THE EXTENT OF IMPACT DAMAGE.

Probable Cause

DURING A PLEASURE FLT IN AN EXPERIMENTAL ACFT, DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE ENG SPUTTERED, HOWEVER, THE PLT CONTINUED THE FLT. AFTER TAKEOFF AT APRX 30 FT THE ENG SPUTTERED AGAIN. THE PLT MADE A SHARP 45 DEG TURN WHICH PUT HIM ON DOWNWIND, HOWEVER, THE ACFT WAS KEPT IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. AT APRX 300 FT THE ENG SPUTTERED AGAIN THEN QUIT. THE LEFT WING DROPPED AND THE ACFT COMPLETED ONE TURN AND IMPACTED THE TERRAIN IN A 70 DEG NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE. THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS REPORTED.

Probable Cause

THE PLT HAD FLOWN ANOTHER ACFT FROM DIKE, IA TO JONESBORO, AR & HAD TRADED IT FOR N1305, WHICH HE WAS FLYING BACK TO DIKE. HE HAD PLANNED AN INTERMEDIATE STOP AT WEST PLAINS, MO. IN THE VICINITY OF WEST PLAINS, WITNESSES HEARD A POPPING SOUND FROM THE ENG. THE PLT LANDED IN A FLD OF KNEE HIGH GRASS NEAR WEST PLAINS. AFTER REPAIRING A REPORTED PROBLEM WITH A SCREW ON THE CARBURETOR, THE PLT ELECTED TO FLY THE ACFT OUT OF THE FIELD. HE INITIATED A TAKEOFF TO THE EAST ON SLIGHTLY RISING TERRAIN WITH A SLIGHT TAIL WIND. AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE ACFT GAINED LITTLE ALTITUDE BFR RCHG POWER LINES & ENTERED A SHARP TURN. IT THEN PITCHED DOWN & CRASHED. WITNESSES REPORTED THE WIND WAS GENTLE FM THE WEST, BUT MOVEMENT OF TREETOPS INDCD A STRONGER WIND ALOFT.

Probable Cause

A NON-RATED PERSON (WITH NO FAA MEDICAL OR PLT CERTIFICATE) ELECTED TO FLY THE HOME-BUILT ACFT. REPORTEDLY, THE ENG BEGAN TO "MISFIRE" WHEN THE ACFT WAS OVER THE ARPT AT ABOUT 1000' AGL. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO LAND; HOWEVER, THE ACFT SUBSEQUENTLY CRASHED IN A STEEP DSCNT NEAR THE 1600' RWY. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OF THE ACFT WAS FOUND. THE TEMP & DEW POINT WERE 44 & 36 DEG, RESPECTIVELY. ACCORDING TO CARB ICING CHARTS, CONDITIONS WOULD HAVE BEEN CONDUCIVE TO SERIOUS CARB ICING. NO RECORD WAS FOUND THAT THE PLT HAD RCVD PLT TRAINING, THOUGH HE HAD REPORTEDLY FLOWN ULTRALIGHT CRAFT. TOXICOLOGY CHECKS SHOWED HE HAD A (BLOOD)-ALCOHOL LVL OF 0.07O%, & A URINE-ALCOHOL LVL OF 0.145% (145 MG/DL).

Probable Cause

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE HOMEBUILT ACFT, CRASHED INTO TREES. THERE WERE NO WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ABSENCE OF THE RIGHT WING RETAINING PINS. THE WRECKAGE PATTERN INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT WING HAD SEPARATED IN FLIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR FUEL SUPPLY SHORTAGE WAS FOUND.

Probable Cause

THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN A WOODED AREA. THE WRECKAGE HAD BEEN REMOVED AND TRANSPORTED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. PHOTOGRAPHS INDICATE THAT THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A STEEP NOSE-DOWN ATTITUDE. THE PILOT'S LAST FLIGHT PHYSICAL WAS MORE THAN 11 YEARS AGO. NO AUTOPSY.

Probable Cause

WHILE PERFORMING AN AEROBATIC MANEUVER THE RIGHT WING FAILED AND DEPARTED THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE THEN DESCENDED INTO THE TERRAIN. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION REVEALED WOOD ROT AT THE FUSELAGE CARRY THRU SPAR ATTACHMENT WHERE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. EXAMINATION REVEALED SIMILAR ROT ON THE LEFT SIDE. THERE WERE NO DRAIN HOLES IN THE AREA OF THE SPAR ATTCHMENT WHERE MOISTURE COULD ACCUMULATE. IT WAS FURTHER DETERMINED THAT THE AREA WHERE THE DETERIORATION OCCURRED WAS NOT VISIBLE DURING NORMAL INSPECTION.

Probable Cause

THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AFTER TAKEOFF AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A PLOWED FIELD ONE-HALF MILE FROM AIRSTRIP. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE THROTTLE BODY OF THE CARBURETOR. THE PILOT/OWNER HAD REMOVED AND REINSTALLED THE CARBURETOR TWO HOURS BEFORE THE FLIGHT.

Probable Cause

WHILE AT CRUISE, THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT AND CHECKED THE OIL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE. THE ENGINE DID NOT REGAIN POWER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING IN A YARD BELOW THE AIRPLANE'S FLIGHT PATH BUT DURING THE APPROACH TO LANDING, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES. THE AIRPLANE FELL TO THE GROUND AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT REVEAL ANY AIRFRAME ANOMALIES. THE ENGINE WAS DISMANTLED AND EXAMINED. EXAMINATION OF THE CARBURETOR REVEALED THAT THE THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING ARM, WHICH WAS FASTENED TO THE THROTTLE SHAFT, WAS LOOSE AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT OPEN THE THROTTLE VALVE FULLY.

Probable Cause

WHILE IN CRUISE, THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS OVER A FIELD AND DECIDED TO CIRCLE AND LAND IN THE FIELD. THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE SECOND TIME HE WENT AROUND THE FIELD, DOWNWIND, THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE LOST TOTAL POWER. THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED A BERM ON THE SIDE OF A ROAD JUST SHORT OF THE FIELD. WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE AIRPLANE IMPACTING THE BERM, THE ENGINE WAS "MISSING." POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRFRAME DID NOT REVEAL ANY ANOMALIES. THE COCKPIT MAGNETO SWITCH WAS SELECTED TO THE LEFT MAGNETO. THE ENGINE WAS INSPECTED AND THE LEFT MAGNETO HIGH TENSION LEAD WAS FOUND CORRODED WITH GEAR GREASE CAUSING INTERMITTENT ARCING. SPARK PLUGS ON THE NUMBER 2 AND 3 CYLINDERS WERE FOUND TO BE SOOTY AND THE SPARK PLUGS ON THE NUMBER 1 AND 4 CYLINDERS APPEARED "NOT TO BE FIRING." THE PILOT STATED THAT HE DID NOT LEAVE THE MAGNETO SWITCHED TO THE "LEFT" POSITION AND THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN MOVED DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE.

Probable Cause

On April 2, 1994, at 1000 mountain standard time, a homebulit experimental Curry Fly-Baby, N183RC, collided with rough terrain during an attempted forced landing on a road near Bisbee, Arizona. The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft was destroyed in the collision sequence. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident as a local area personal flight.

According to the pilot, the aircraft was in the initial climb after takeoff when the engine suddenly quit. The pilot reported that he did not have sufficient altitude or vehicle energy to return to the airport and attempted to land on a nearby road. The aircraft landed short and collided with rough terrain.

In his written report, the pilot said he suspects a fuel blockage at the tank outlet as the cause for the engine power loss.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows.

• a loss of engine power due a blockage in the fuel tank outlet which caused fuel starvation.

The accident site was in a pass at the southern end of a mountain valley. A major interstate highway traversed the mountains through this valley. The pass at the southern end of the valley was characterized by rapidly rising and narrowing terrain. U.S. Forest Service workers near the site reported that the pass and the surrounding terrain was obscured by clouds which went to the ground. The aircraft collided with the side of a mountain about 300 feet above the elevation of the highway. An FAA inspector went to the accident site, interviewed witnesses, and examined the aircraft. He reported that the aircraft was traveling southbound over the highway as it approached the pass. The aircraft collided with the terrain as the pilot attempted to turn around in the narrow pass. Control system continuity could not be established throughout the aircraft due to extensive airframe crush deformation. Fuel was present in the tank and no discrepancies were found in the engine.

Probable Cause

On July 2, 1998, at 0800 eastern daylight time, a Wicks Fly Baby, N40349, piloted by a commercial pilot, received
substantial damage when it impacted the terrain, during a forced landing after a loss of engine power during takeoff from
runway 27 (2,585' X 100') at the Betz Airport, Blissfield, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time
of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported minor
injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

During the initial climb the engine suffered a loss of power. Post accident inspection of the airplane failed to reveal any smell of fuel on or around the wreckage. There was no fuel spill on the ground. Only unusable fuel was found in the tank. No other mechanical anomalies were found during the post accident examination.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows.

• the pilot's misjudging of the fuel supply and his inadequate aircraft preflight. A factor was fuel exhaustion,

The pilot recalled that as the airplane descended through 1700 feet, the left wing assembly came up over the cockpit and
separated from the airframe. The pilot reported that he always flew this airplane wearing a parachute, and as the airplane
entered a spin he was ejected from the cockpit. After clearing the airframe, the pilot pulled the ripcord to deploy the
parachute; a full parachute canopy was achieved 300 feet above the ground. During the examination of the airframe the left
wing flying wire attachment plate was located and was discovered to have failed. The attachment plate fracture faces were
examined with an optical microscope and were found to contain banding, typical of fatigue cracking, on both sides of the
attachment hole. The fatigue cracking propagated nearly through the thickness of the plate. Elevated oxygen peaks,
indicative of corrosion deposits, were also discovered.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows.

A fatigue failure of the flywire bracket that resulted in the inflight separation of the left wing.

According to witnesses, the homebuilt Fly Baby was cruising about 1,500 feet above the ground, in a climb or nose high attitude. The witnesses reported hearing a popping sound, after which the right wing folded up next to the fuselage. The airplane descended, and struck the ground. Examination revealed the two flying wires on the underside of the forward right wing spar were separated from the wing. One wire had failed at its loop through the eye of the turnbuckle, and the other wire separated at a failed turnbuckle. Metallurgical examination found evidence of overload on both failures. According to the designer of the airplane, the airplane had been static load tested to 6gs with no failure. In addition, each pair of flying wires must have similar or matched tension. If one wire was loose, a momentary flight load could exceed the load capability of one wire, which would cause it to fail, followed by the failure of the second wire as it tried to assume the load. The pre-accident tension on the failed flying wires could not be determined.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows.

• An overload failure of both flying wires, on the underside of the right wing, while the airplane was climbing, due to improper balance between the two flying wires, by unknown person(s).
Full narrative available

  (Further details and analysis of this accident)

On November 1, 2000, about 1520 eastern standard time, a Horne Bowers Flybaby, N4041A, registered to a private individual, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed in the vicinity of Greer, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The experimental, amateur-built airplane received substantial damage, and the private-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated from the same airstrip about 20 minutes before the accident.

According to the pilot, his landing resulted in an extended flare that touched down at about the mid-length point of the 1,800-foot runway and despite heavy braking on the grassy, down-sloped surface, ran off the runway end and into a fence.

According to an eyewitness to the accident, the flight's first approach resulted in a go-around due to being too high. The second approach was too fast, resulting in a touchdown beyond the mid-length of the runway. The aircraft continued beyond the runway end, collided with a perimeter fence, and nosed over into a drainage ditch.

According to an FAA inspector, the accident occurred in the Lake Cunningham area of Greer, South Carolina, at a private airstrip named Flying Few Airfield. Examination of the aircraft revealed a broken wooden propeller, leading edge damage to the wings, and buckling of the fuselage behind the cockpit. The pilot stated to him that he may not have closed the throttle all the way on landing.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

A runway overrun as a result of the pilot's failure to maintain proper approach speed and landing touch down point.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

The pilot's failure to return the carburetor heat to the OFF (cold) position prior to applying full power following a touch and go landing, which resulted in poor climb performance and the subsequent impact with a fence and collision with the ground. A contributing factor was the fence.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On June 29, 2003, at 1824 central daylight time, a Bowers Fly Baby, N1878, collided with terrain during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip in Altus, Arkansas. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot received serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On July 3, 2003, about 1130 central daylight time, a Butler, Bowers Fly Baby 1A, experimental airplane, N179DE, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, registered to a private owner, collided with the ground while maneuvering in the vicinity of Lincoln, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The private pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed Talladega Municipal Airport, Talladega, Alabama, on July 3, 2003, at 1000.

A witness stated he heard an airplane approaching his location flying towards the south southeast. He looked up and observed the airplane flying over a tree line. The nose of the airplane was observed to pitch up to about a 70-degree nose high attitude. The left wing dropped down and the nose pitched down as if the airplane was in a "stall". The airplane descended to the north and disappeared from view below the tree line. There was no noticeable change in engine noise as the airplane descended.

Another witness who was working in his yard stated he heard an unfamiliar sound above the noise of his lawnmower and observed the "object" flying in the direction of Gadsden, Alabama. The object was about 100 feet above the trees and was in a steep descending angle. There was no noticeable change in engine noise before it collided with the ground. The object hit the ground in the east side of his yard and then there was a flash of flame. He cut off his lawnmower and ran over to the site. He saw that it was an airplane, ran inside and called the 911 operator.

[RJW Note:  I spoke to the NTSB investigator about this one on 14 August 2003.  He said they as yet had found no evidence of structure, control, or engine problems.]

Pre-1983 Reports

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    GROUND-WATER LOOP-SWERVE -  LANDING: ROLL
     COLLIDED WITH: PARKED AIRCRAFT - LANDING: ROLL
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER OPERATION OF BRAKES AND/OR FLIGHT CONTROLS FACTOR(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH AIRCRAFT
    REMARKS- FIRST FLT IN ACFT. PLTS FOOT SLIPPED OFF BRAKE PEDAL, HIT N4615M, SUBS DAMAGE.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    AIRFRAME FAILURE: IN FLIGHT

PROBABLE CAUSE(S)

AIRFRAME - WINGS: WING ATTACHMENT FITTINGS,BOLTS
MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - FATIGUE FRACTURE
MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - CORRODED/CORROSION
PERSONNEL - MAINTENANCE,SERVICING,INSPECTION: INADEQUATE INSPECTION OF AIRCRAFT (OWNER-PILOT)

REMARKS- L WG FLYING WIRE TURNBUCKLE FAILED. WG SEPARATED. PLT PARACHUTED SUCCESSFULLY.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
           AIRFRAME FAILURE: IN FLIGHT
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)

AIRFRAME - WINGS: BRACING WIRES,STRUTS
AIRFRAME - WINGS: OTHER
MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - OVERLOAD FAILURE
MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - PREVIOUS DAMAGE

REMARKS- 3 FLYING WIRES,R WING,PULLED THRU NICOPRESS,GR AXLE ATCH PNT,4TH,WING ATCH.GR AXLE PREV DMG.

[RJW Note:  The report on this one listed the pilot as having one hour of Fly Baby time.  From the comment about "previous damage" I suspect the aircraft had been damaged on that first flight and not properly repaired.]

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    AIRFRAME FAILURE: IN FLIGHT  -- IN FLIGHT ACROBATICS
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)

AIRFRAME - WINGS: BRACING WIRES,STRUTS
MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - IMPROPERLY INSTALLED
PERSONNEL - PRODUCTION-DESIGN-PERSONNEL: OTHER
PILOT IN COMMAND - EXCEEDED DESIGNED STRESS LIMITS OF AIRCRAFT
MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - OVERLOAD FAILURE

 TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    COLLISION WITH AIRCRAFT: BOTH ON GROUND -  LANDING: ROLL
 PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID OTHER AIRCRAFT
FACTOR(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT
    PILOT IN COMMAND - ATTEMPTED OPERATION W/KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT

REMARKS- N8716 NOT EQUIPPED WITH NAV LTS.PLT OF N8716 WAS MEDICALLY RESTRICTED FROM NITE FLT.UNCONTRLDARPT
 
 

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    COLLIDED WITH: FENCE,FENCEPOSTS                          LANDING: FINAL APPROACH
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - SELECTED UNSUITABLE TERRAIN
    PILOT IN COMMAND - MISJUDGED ALTITUDE
FACTOR(S)
           AIRPORTS/AIRWAYS/FACILITIES - AIRPORT CONDITIONS: OTHER

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    ENGINE FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION -- TAKEOFF: INITIAL CLIMB
    GEAR COLLAPSED-- LANDING: LEVEL OFF/TOUCHDOWN
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER OPERATION OF POWERPLANT & POWERPLANT CONTROLS
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - ICE-CARBURETOR
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER LEVEL OFF
FACTOR(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION AND/OR PLANNING
    WEATHER - CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO CARB./INDUCTION SYSTEM ICING
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - OVERLOAD FAILURE
    PARTIAL POWER LOSS - PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER - 1 ENGINE
    EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES - FORCED LANDING OFF AIRPORT ON LAND

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    STALL  --- TAKEOFF: INITIAL CLIMB
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED
FACTOR(S)
    WEATHER - DOWNDRAFT,UPDRAFTS

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    ENGINE FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION --- IN FLIGHT: DESCENDING
    COLLIDED WITH: TREES --- LANDING: FINAL APPROACH
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - ATTEMPTED OPERATION W/KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT
    WEATHER - CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO CARB./INDUCTION SYSTEM ICING
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - ICE-CARBURETOR
    PARTIAL POWER LOSS - PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER - 1 ENGINE
EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES - FORCED LANDING OFF AIRPORT ON LAND

REMARKS- EXP TEST FLT.INADQT CARB HEATER MUFFS.LNDD IN TREE.

 TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    ENGINE FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION -- TAKEOFF: INITIAL CLIMB
    COLLIDED WITH: TREES -- LANDING: ROLL
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    POWERPLANT - FUEL SYSTEM: CARBURETOR
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - LOOSE,PART/FITTING
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - FUEL STARVATION
    PARTIAL POWER LOSS - PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER - 1 ENGINE
    EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES - FORCED LANDING OFF AIRPORT ON LAND

REMARKS- CARB FLOAT NEEDLE SEAT LOOSE.ACFT BUILT & OPERATED BY PUBLIC SCHOOL.SECOND FLT.
 
 

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    STALL   ---  IN FLIGHT: BUZZING
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED
    PILOT IN COMMAND - LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH AIRCRAFT
FACTOR(S)
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - STOLEN OR UNAUTH=

REMARKS- COMPLETED LOW PASS PULLED ACFT STRAIGHT UP MADE TURN TO R.ACFT NOT REGISTERED.
[RJW note:  Hmmm..."Stolen or unauthorized"..."Aircraft not registered..."  Sounds like there's an interesting story behind this one...]

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    STALL -- LANDING: TRAFFIC PATTERN-CIRCLING
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER OPERATION OF FLIGHT CONTROLS

REMARKS- STALLED AT LOW ALTITUDE.

 TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    AIRFRAME FAILURE: IN FLIGHT -- ACROBATICS
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - EXCEEDED DESIGNED STRESS LIMITS OF AIRCRAFT
    PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO FOLLOW APPROVED PROCEDURES,DIRECTIVES,ETC.
FACTOR(S)
    AIRFRAME - WINGS: SPARS
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - OVERLOAD FAILURE
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - SEPARATION IN FLIGHT

REMARKS- RIGHT WING SEPARATED DURING PROHIBITED LOOP MANEUVERS.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    UNDERSHOOT --  LANDING: FINAL APPROACH
    COLLIDED WITH: CROP --- LANDING: LEVEL OFF/TOUCHDOWN
 PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - MISJUDGED DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE
FACTOR(S)
    TERRAIN - HIGH VEGETATION

REMARKS- LND IN TALL WHEAT.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    COLLISION WITH AIRCRAFT: BOTH ON  LANDING: ROLL
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PERSONNEL - MISCELLANEOUS-PERSONNEL: PILOT OF OTHER AIRCRAFT
FACTOR(S)
    MISCELLANEOUS - EVASIVE MANEUVER TO AVOID COLLISION
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - INTENTIONAL GROUND-WATER-LOOP-SWERVE

REMARKS- CESSNA N18534 ENTRD AND STARTED TO CROSS RWY IN FRONT OF N337X ON LDG ROLL.

 TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    COLLISION WITH GROUND/WATER: UNCONTROLLED -- LANDING: TRAFFIC PATTERN-CIRCLING
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - ATTEMPTED OPERATION W/KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - PREVIOUS DAMAGE
FACTOR(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH AIRCRAFT

REMARKS- LDG FROM PRIOR 15MIN FLT BENT RT AXLE AND LOOSENED RT WING FLYING WIRES.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    COLLISION WITH AIRCRAFT: BOTH IN FLIGHT --  LANDING: FINAL APPROACH
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PERSONNEL - MISCELLANEOUS-PERSONNEL: PILOT OF OTHER AIRCRAFT
FACTOR(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID OTHER AIRCRAFT

REMARKS- C-150 DIDNT CALL UNICOM. FLYBABY NOT RADIO EQUIPPED.
 
 

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    AIRFRAME FAILURE: IN FLIGHT  --  IN FLIGHT: NORMAL CRUISE
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PERSONNEL - MAINTENANCE,SERVICING,INSPECTION: INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
    AIRFRAME - WINGS: SPARS
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - MATERIAL FAILURE
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - DETERIORATED
FACTOR(S)
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - SEPARATION IN FLIGHT
    PILOT IN COMMAND - EXERCISED POOR JUDGMENT

REMARKS- R WG SEPARATED. LAST ANNUAL INSPECTION-JULY 1971.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    STALL: SPIN -- TAKEOFF: INITIAL CLIMB
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED
FACTOR(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH AIRCRAFT

REMARKS- DURING FAMIL FLT IN NEW TYPE AFCT PLT ALLOWED AFCT TO STALL DURING CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF.
 
 

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    ENGINE FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION -- TAKEOFF: INITIAL CLIMB
    NOSE OVER/DOWN -- LANDING: ROLL
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PERSONNEL - MAINTENANCE,SERVICING,INSPECTION: INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
    POWERPLANT - ENGINE STRUCTURE: PISTON,PISTON RINGS
    POWERPLANT - ENGINE STRUCTURE: VALVE ASSEMBLIES
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - LOW COMPRESSION
    PARTIAL POWER LOSS - PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER - 1 ENGINE
EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES - FORCED LANDING OFF AIRPORT ON LAND

REMARKS- #4CYL EXH VALVE STREAKED,NOT CLOSING PROPERLY.ALL PISTON RING GAPS EXCESS OF MAX ALLOWABLE.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    GROUND-WATER LOOP-SWERVE  -- LANDING: LEVEL OFF/TOUCHDOWN
    NOSE OVER/DOWN --  LANDING: ROLL
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER LEVEL OFF
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM BOUNCED LANDING
FACTOR(S)
    WEATHER - UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS
    TERRAIN - HIGH VEGETATION

REMARKS- ACFT BOUNCED AT TOUCHDOWN,VEERED INTO TALL GRASS ALONG RUNWAY.
 
 

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    COLLISION WITH GROUND/WATER: CONTROLLED --  LANDING: TRAFFIC PATTERN-CIRCLING
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    MISCELLANEOUS - UNDETERMINED

REMARKS- ACFT OBSVD TO ROLL ON DOWNWIND LEG OF TRAFFIC PATTERN.SEAT BELT FAILED AT ANCHOR POINT.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    AIRFRAME FAILURE: IN FLIGHT  --: ACROBATICS
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - EXCEEDED DESIGNED STRESS LIMITS OF AIRCRAFT
FACTOR(S)
    AIRFRAME - WINGS: SPARS
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - OVERLOAD FAILURE
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - SEPARATION IN FLIGHT

REMARKS- L WING SEPARATED.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    ENGINE FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION -- LANDING: TRAFFIC PATTERN-CIRCLING
    HARD LANDING  --  LANDING: LEVEL OFF/TOUCHDOWN
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PERSONNEL - MAINTENANCE,SERVICING,INSPECTION: INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
    POWERPLANT - FUEL SYSTEM: CARBURETOR
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - IMPROPERLY SECURED
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - FUEL STARVATION
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER LEVEL OFF
FACTOR(S)
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - OVERLOAD FAILURE
    COMPLETE POWER LOSS - COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE/FLAMEOUT-1 ENGINE
    EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES - FORCED LANDING ON AIRPORT/SEAPLANE BASE/HELIPT.

REMARKS- CARB NEEDLE VALVE SEAT NOT SAFETIED,BACKED OUT.

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    HARD LANDING  -- LANDING: LEVEL OFF/TOUCHDOWN
    GEAR COLLAPSED  --  LANDING: LEVEL OFF/TOUCHDOWN
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER LEVEL OFF
 
 

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    AIRFRAME FAILURE: IN FLIGHT -- ACROBATICS
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PERSONNEL - MAINTENANCE,SERVICING,INSPECTION: INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
    PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT DECISIONS OR PLANNING
    AIRFRAME - WINGS: WING ATTACHMENT FITTINGS,BOLTS
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - IMPROPERLY INSTALLED
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - MATERIAL FAILURE

REMARKS- L WG REAR ATCH BOLT PULLED LOOSE.HOLE IMPROPERLY DRILLED,BUSHING NOT INSTLD.ACFT RSTRD FM ACRO FLT

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    STALL: SPIN  --  TAKEOFF: INITIAL CLIMB
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED

TYPE OF ACCIDENT
    STALL  -- LANDING: FINAL APPROACH
PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED
FACTOR(S)
    PILOT IN COMMAND - LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH AIRCRAFT
    INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES - FLIGHT AND NAVIGATION INSTRUMENTS: AIRSPEED
    MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - ERRATIC

REMARKS- 1ST FLT IN THIS MAKE & MODEL.PLT RPRTD PSBL AIRSPEED MALFUNCTION.EQUIPPED W 65HP LYCOMING ENG.
 
 

APPROXIMATELY 4 FT OF THE INBOARD SECTION OF THE LEFT WING SEPARATED IN FLIGHT DURING AN AEROBATIC MANEUVER. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE ACFT HAD BEEN PERFORMING LITTLE LOOPS & THEN IT WENT STRAIGHT UP & ROLLED OFF TO THE LEFT UPSIDE DOWN. IT THEN SPIRALLED ONCE OR TWICE, STRAIGHTENED OUT, MADE A SLIGHT RIGHT TURN & THEN THE WING FAILED. THE LATEST OPERATING LIMITATIONS FOR THE AMATEUR BUILT ACFT SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITS ANY INTENTIONAL AEROBATIC FLT MANEUVERS.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows.

PROCEDURES/DIRECTIVES..DISREGARDED..PILOT IN COMMAND
AEROBATICS..PERFORMED..PILOT IN COMMAND
DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF AIRCRAFT..EXCEEDED..PILOT IN COMMAND

WING..OVERLOAD
WING..FAILURE,PARTIAL
WING..SEPARATION

A Cursory Analysis

Total Reports:  48
Pilot Error:  19 (Some with associated engine problems)
Engine Failures:  11
Collisions:  3
Wing Failures:  12
Other:  3

• Almost half (five) happened during aerobatics.  Two of the cases also involved improper construction
• Two involved aircraft that had been improperly stored, and the carry-throughs rotted
• One was pilot error - the plane didn't have the spar pins in
• One had improperly-repaired damage from a previous accident
• One had a turnbuckle fail from corrosion
• One had fatigue cracking from the solid flying wires
• One had improperly-balanced tensioning

Second, keep your plane out of the rain.  The spar carry-though modifications help prevent these accidents from happening, but they aren't a cure-all.  Keep your plane dry.

Third, build your flying wires properly and maintain your aircraft.