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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 15, 1996 · Little Scamp · N9995A

Worthington, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 15, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Worthington, KY
Aircraft
Little Scamp
Tail Number
N9995A
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
IAD96LA096

The pilot stated that the '...takeoff seemed normal..., but [the airplane] failed to establish [a] good climb out... .' The pilot reported that he was 'out of options [and] landed straight ahead...impacted tree[s on the] other side.' The FAA Inspector stated that an engine teardown was conducted, but there was no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The pilot reported that he had 1 hour of flight time in the accident make and model airplane. He stated that there was about 4 gallons of fuel on board the airplane when the accident occurred. Records indicate that the airplane had not been flown or refueled since 8/12/95.

NTSB Probable Cause

was the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons shortly after liftoff. A related factor was the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On June 12, 1996, at about 1815 eastern daylight time, a Little Scamp, N9995A, a homebuilt airplane, collided with trees at the end of the runway after the airplane's engine lost partial power during takeoff at the Ashland-Boyd County Airport, in Worthington, Kentucky. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the local personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that the engine run-up and takeoff seemed normal, but that the airplane failed to establish a good rate of climb after takeoff. The pilot reported that he was "out of options [and] landed straight ahead...impacted tree[s on the] other side." The former owner/builder of the experimental airplane stated that he built the airplane in 1980, and that he had sold the airplane to the present owner on December 3, 1995. Records indicate that the airplane had not been flown since it was refueled on August 12, 1995. On August 12, 1995, five (5) gallons of 100 LL fuel were pumped into the airplane. One witness observed the airplane "...flying really low and it went sideways a little and [then] hit 2 trees." Witnesses reported that there was a strong smell of fuel, and they noted fuel leaking out of the airplane at the accident site. The pilot told the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector that, although the airplane seemed to produce full power on takeoff, it was a hot day and the takeoff ground roll was longer than usual. The pilot reported 1 hour of total flight time in the accident make and model airplane. The FAA Inspector stated that he was unable to obtain a fuel sample to test for fuel contamination, because the fuel had leaked from the airplane at the accident site. According to the FAA Inspector, an engine teardown was conducted, and there was no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomaly.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:15 EDT
Nearest AirportAshland-Boyd (1nm W)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLittle Scamp
Tail NumberN9995A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsMonnett · VW-1850 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data