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NTSB Report
May 25, 1996 · Merlin GT · N68EV
Charlotte, MI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Charlotte, MI
Aircraft
Merlin GT
Tail Number
N68EV
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA176
The pilot was conducting his second flight in the amateur-built airplane. He stated that he attempted to go around; however, a loss of airspeed occurred. The right main landing gear impacted the terrain followed by the airplane turning around and the tail impacting the ground.
NTSB Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.
Full Narrative
On May 25, 1996, at 1145 eastern daylight time, an amateur built Merlin GT, N68EV, collided with terrain. The airplane was on the second flight when a go-around was attempted from an approach to runway 32 (2,318' x 100' dry/turf) at Fitch H. Beach Airport, near Charlotte, Michigan. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. There was no flight plan on file for the personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight. The flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions. The flight departed at 1010. The pilot stated that a gust of wind required him to attempt to go around instead of continuing the landing. He said he encountered a loss of airspeed and the right main landing gear impacted the ground. The airplane then turned around and the tail impacted the terrain.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 EDT
Nearest AirportFitch H Beach (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length2318 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMerlin GT
Tail NumberN68EV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 618 · Reciprocating · 74
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC