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February 2, 1997 · Berry VANS RV-4 · N42BN

York, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 2, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
York, PA
Aircraft
Berry VANS RV-4
Tail Number
N42BN
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC97LA050

The pilot/owner of a homebuilt Vans RV-4 airplane flew to his destination airport. He stated that he entered the down wind traffic pattern for landing, and observed an airplane on the taxiway, short of the runway. When he turned from base to final approach, the airplane on the ground taxied onto the runway. The RV-4 pilot elected to do 'S' turns to give the airplane on the runway time to depart, but it remained on the runway, so the RV-4 pilot initiated a go-around. Power was applied, and the wings were leveled, but the airplane continued to descend and contacted the ground. The airplane was damaged during ground contact, but it became airborne again and continued flying. The pilot then landed without further incident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's delay in initiating a go-around, and his failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush and contact with the terrain.

Full Narrative

On February 2, 1997, at 1030 eastern standard time, a homebuilt, Vans RV-4, N42BN, was substantially damaged when it struck the ground during a go-around at the York Airport (THV), York, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Westminster, Maryland, about 1000. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the pilot's written statement, he said that he entered the down wind traffic pattern for landing on runway 34, and observed an airplane on the taxiway, short of the runway. When the pilot turned his airplane from base to final approach, the airplane on the ground taxied onto the runway. He elected to do "S" turns to give the airplane on the runway time to depart, but airplane remained on the runway. The pilot also said: "...Prior to ground impact, I elected to wave off...power was applied...Upon rolling wings level...I felt a left slip and stick shaker...The aircraft began falling, rolling left impacting the ground..." The pilot further stated that during ground impact, full power was applied, and the airplane became airborne. The pilot continued the climb and then completed a successful landing at THV. The pilot stated that he encountered no malfunctions with the airframe or engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EST
Nearest AirportYORK (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length5188 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBerry VANS RV-4
Tail NumberN42BN
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0320-E3D · Reciprocating · 160

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data