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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 24, 1994 · Mustari Dragonfly MARK II Dragonfly · N3147B

Scottsbluff, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Scottsbluff, NE
Aircraft
Mustari Dragonfly MARK II Dragonfly
Tail Number
N3147B
Operator
Fowler Kevin A
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI94DCJ01

THE PILOT REPORTED DURING DEPARTURE THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE REACHED ABOUT 150 TO 200 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, AND WOULDN'T CLIMB ANY FURTHER. HE ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT, BUT THE AIRPLANE STRUCK POWER LINES AND CAME TO REST IN A SOYBEAN FIELD. THE PILOT REPORTED THE TEMPERATURE WAS 92 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, AND THE AIRPORT ELEVATION IS 3,965 FEET. HE STATED HE COULD HAVE AVOIDED THE ACCIDENT 'BY RESTRICTING MY FLIGHTS TO LOWER ELEVATION AIRPORTS WHEN TEMP. IS ABOVE 90 DEGREES.'

NTSB Probable Cause

the private pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation. A related factor is the high density altitude.

Full Narrative

On June 24, 1994, at 1700 mountain daylight time, a Mustari Dragonfly Mark II, N3147B, piloted by the private pilot/owner, sustained substantial damage when it struck power lines while maneuvering after takeoff from the William B. Heilig Airport, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, no flight plan was filed. The personal flight was originating from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, with an intended destination of Hastings, Nebraska. The pilot stated he flew to Scottsbluff to visit his mother in the hospital. He arrived about midday, and had the airplane topped off with 100LL fuel. It was about 1650 when the pilot attempted to depart the Scottsbluff airport. He stated: "Aircraft ascended to about 150 - 200 feet AGL and would no longer climb. Because of rising terrain I decided to turn back to the airport. I knew I would lose altitude on my turn...Once I got turned around I was looking at two sets of power lines...." The airplane struck the first set of power lines and came to rest in a soybean field. The pilot stated the airport elevation was 3,965 feet, the temperature was 92 degrees Fahrenheit, and density altitude had decreased the airplanes performance. He stated there was no mechanical malfunction, and indicated he could have prevented the accident "...by restricting my flights to lower elevation airports when temp. is above 90 [degrees]."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 CDT
Nearest AirportWilliam B. Heilig Field (1nm N)
Runway30
Runway Length8280 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMustari Dragonfly MARK II Dragonfly
Tail NumberN3147B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorFowler Kevin A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsUnknown · Reciprocating · 71
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 4 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data