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NTSB Report
August 1, 1992 · Donald L Betchan KR-II · N983DB
Louisville, KY
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 1992
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Louisville, KY
Aircraft
Donald L Betchan KR-II
Tail Number
N983DB
Operator
Hayward L Powell
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC92LA137
THE OWNER, SEATED IN THE RIGHT SEAT ALLOWED A PROSPECTIVE BUYER SEATED IN THE LEFT SEAT TO MAKE THE TAKEOFF. AFTER GETTING AIRBORNE, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO PITCH UP TO A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE, FALL OFF ON A WING AND THEN STRIKE THE GROUND NOSE FIRST. THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER HAD NO PREVIOUS TIME IN THE AIRPLANE, AND WAS A PRIVATE PILOT WITH 150 HOURS TOTAL TIME. THE OWNER/OPERATOR HAS LESS THAN 100 HOURS TOTAL TIME AND WAS UNRESTRAINED IN THE AIRPLANE WHICH WAS EQUIPPED WITH ONLY ONE SET OF SEAT BELTS.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS BY THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER, AND THE FAILURE OF THE OWNER/OPERATOR TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN TYPE OF AIRPLANE FOR THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER, AND THE LACK OF A RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR THE PASSENGER.
Full Narrative
THE OWNER, SEATED IN THE RIGHT SEAT ALLOWED A PROSPECTIVE BUYER SEATED IN THE LEFT SEAT TO MAKE THE TAKEOFF. AFTER GETTING AIRBORNE, THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO PITCH UP TO A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE, FALL OFF ON A WING AND THEN STRIKE THE GROUND NOSE FIRST. THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER HAD NO PREVIOUS TIME IN THE AIRPLANE, AND WAS A PRIVATE PILOT WITH 150 HOURS TOTAL TIME. THE OWNER/OPERATOR HAS LESS THAN 100 HOURS TOTAL TIME AND WAS UNRESTRAINED IN THE AIRPLANE WHICH WAS EQUIPPED WITH ONLY ONE SET OF SEAT BELTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:40 CDT
Nearest AirportBowman Field (0nm)
Runway6
Runway Length4312 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDonald L Betchan KR-II
Tail NumberN983DB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHayward L Powell
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · HAPI 1835 · Reciprocating · 60
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:51
Weather SourceWFAC