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NTSB Report
November 29, 1992 · Van Arsdell/Brent M Rutan LONG EZ Rutan LONG · N989LE
Charleston, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 29, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Charleston, SC
Aircraft
Van Arsdell/Brent M Rutan LONG EZ Rutan LONG
Tail Number
N989LE
Operator
Silberman A/Bem Michael B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL93LA032
DURING THE TAKE OFF ROLL FROM A CIVIL/MILITARY JOINT USE AIRPORT, THE NOSE WHEEL OF THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE RAISED MILITARY ARRESTING CABLE. THE PILOT CONTINUED THE FLIGHT TO HIS DESTINATION. ON LANDING IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE NOSE TIRE WAS FLAT, & THE LEFT BRAKE WAS DEVOID OF FLUID. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE CHECKED ALL APPROPRIATE PUBLICATIONS. HE NOTED THAT THE APPROACH PLATE FOR RWY 33 MENTIONED THE ARRESTING GEAR & THAT IT DID NOT APPLY TO CIVILIAN PILOTS. THE AIRPORT FACILITIES DIRECTORY WAS CONSULTED WHICH STATED THAT A RAISED, MILITARY AIRCRAFT ARRESTING DEVICE WAS LOCATED 1460 FEET FROM THE RWY 33 THRESHOLD.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT PLANNING AND HIS FAILURE TO NOTE THE RAISED ARRESTING DEVICE NEAR THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD.
Full Narrative
DURING THE TAKE OFF ROLL FROM A CIVIL/MILITARY JOINT USE AIRPORT, THE NOSE WHEEL OF THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE RAISED MILITARY ARRESTING CABLE. THE PILOT CONTINUED THE FLIGHT TO HIS DESTINATION. ON LANDING IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE NOSE TIRE WAS FLAT, & THE LEFT BRAKE WAS DEVOID OF FLUID. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE CHECKED ALL APPROPRIATE PUBLICATIONS. HE NOTED THAT THE APPROACH PLATE FOR RWY 33 MENTIONED THE ARRESTING GEAR & THAT IT DID NOT APPLY TO CIVILIAN PILOTS. THE AIRPORT FACILITIES DIRECTORY WAS CONSULTED WHICH STATED THAT A RAISED, MILITARY AIRCRAFT ARRESTING DEVICE WAS LOCATED 1460 FEET FROM THE RWY 33 THRESHOLD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:20 EST
Nearest AirportCharleston Afb/Intl (1nm SSE)
Runway33
Runway Length9001 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftVan Arsdell/Brent M Rutan LONG EZ Rutan LONG
Tail NumberN989LE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSilberman A/Bem Michael B
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 118
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:50
Weather SourceWFAC