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NTSB Report

November 6, 1996 · Vanatta KR-2 · N85JV

Blackstone, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 6, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Blackstone, VA
Aircraft
Vanatta KR-2
Tail Number
N85JV
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD97LA017

Witnesses stated that they saw the airplane takeoff from runway 22, in a shallow climb, and the engine sputtered and quit. The airplane rocked side to side, then started turning right, then rolled left until it was inverted. The airplane struck the ground inverted about 150 feet off the right side of the runway. There was about 1500 feet of runway remaining when the engine stopped and the airplane turned right. No reason was found for the loss of engine lost power.

NTSB Probable Cause

loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control (stall) and collision with the ground.

Full Narrative

On November 6, 1996 about 1645 eastern standard time, a Vanatta KR-2 amateur built experimental airplane, N85JV, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain after a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff at the Allen C. Perkinson Municipal Airport, Blackstone, Virginia. The pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated approximately 1644 edt. Witnesses stated that they saw the airplane takeoff from runway 22, in a shallow climb and the engine sputtered and quit. The airplane rocked side to side then started turning right then rolled left until it was inverted. The airplane stuck the ground inverted about 150 feet off the right side of the runway. There was about 1500 feet of runway remaining when the engine stopped and the airplane turned right. During examination of the wreckage the FAA was able to establish flight control continuity, and that the propeller was not rotating at impact. In addition, they found that the engine crankshaft was broken off at the propeller flange, and the magneto housing was crushed. A determination as to why the engine quit shortly after takeoff was not possible due to impact damage. An interview with the pilot found that he was unable to remember any of the events that occurred during the accident. The pilot was sent an NTSB Form 6120.1/2, Pilot Operator Report on November 13, 1996, but it had not been returned at the time of this report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 EST
Nearest AirportBlackstone (0nm)
Runway22
Runway Length4632 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVanatta KR-2
Tail NumberN85JV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data