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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 26, 1997 · Dresbach RV-4 · N61CD

Bainbridge, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 26, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Bainbridge, OH
Aircraft
Dresbach RV-4
Tail Number
N61CD
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
IAD97LA076

Witnesses reported that they observed the airplane make a normal takeoff. According to them, after starting to climb, the airplane entered a descent and crashed. They reported seeing the airplane in a right-wing low position before it impacted the ground in a nose down attitude. Examination of the airplane and the engine did not reveal any abnormalities. The pilot's last log book entry was dated 11/22/95. On 11/29/95, he had coronary artery bypass surgery. On 5/15/97, the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division denied the pilot a medical certificate 'due to objective evidence of myocardial ischemia by radionuclide scintigraphy.' An autopsy report of the pilot noted 'minimal cardiac tissue' for examination. Toxicology testing detected unspecified levels of metoprolol (a medication which reduces the heart rate response to stress) in the pilot's blood and liver fluid.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane during the initial climb after takeoff. The pilot's physiological conditions was a possible factor.

Full Narrative

On May 26, 1997, at 1144 eastern daylight time, N61CD, a Dresbach RV-4, a homebuilt airplane, was destroyed when it collided with terrain after takeoff from the Haas Airport, Bainbridge, Ohio. The certificated private pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight had originated from the Ross County Airport, Chillicothe, Ohio. The pilot was attending a fly-in breakfast at Bainbridge. He took off from a 1,900 foot long, grass strip. Witnesses reported that they observed the takeoff, and it seemed normal. They said that about 200 to 300 feet above the ground with the engine operating, the right wing of the airplane dropped down in a roll type maneuver, the nose pitched down, and the airplane struck the ground in a nose down attitude. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Inspector, examination of the wreckage after the accident did not reveal any pre-impact failure of the airplane flight controls or engine. Examination of the pilot's log book revealed that the last entry was dated November 22, 1995. According to the pilot's medical records, he underwent coronary artery bypass surgery on November 29, 1995. He was on Lopressor (metoprolol) 25 mg a day in June of 1996. His application for a third class medical certificate on June 27, 1996, was deferred by his Aviation Medical Examiner, and ultimately denied by the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division on May 15, 1997, "due to objective evidence of myocardial ischemia by radionuclide scintigraphy." He did not have a current medical certificate at the time of the accident. An autopsy of the pilot was performed by Dr. John Gabis, Coroner, Chillicothe, Ohio, on May 27, 1997. Toxicological testing was conducted by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI), in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The report stated that metoprolol was detected in blood and liver fluid.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:44 EDT
Nearest AirportHAAS (0nm)
Runway13
Runway Length1920 ft
Runway Width90 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDresbach RV-4
Tail NumberN61CD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data