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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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December 26, 1992 · Curtiss JN-4D · N5001

Livermore, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 26, 1992
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Livermore, CA
Aircraft
Curtiss JN-4D
Tail Number
N5001
Operator
James M Nissen
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA076

FOLLOWING TAKE OFF FROM A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER AT ABOUT 50 FEET AGL. THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO LOOSE ALTITUDE AND AIRSPEED. THE PILOT BEGAN A LEFT TURN TO AN OPEN FIELD. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED IN THE LEFT TURN TOWARD THE PILOTS RESIDENCE. TO AVOID HITTING THE HOUSE, THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY SKIDDED THE AIRPLANE TO THE LEFT, STRIKING THE GROUND IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED TWO BOLTS THAT RETAIN THE ROCKER ARM SUPPORT PEDESTAL AND ENGINE COOLANT HOUSING HAD SHEARED. ENGINE COOLANT SPRAYED ONTO THE RIGHT SIDE SPARK PLUG LEADS AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE AIRPLANE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE SHEARING OF THE NUMBER 8 CYLINDER ROCKER ARM SUPPORT PEDESTAL/COOLANT HOUSING RETAINING BOLTS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT.

Full Narrative

FOLLOWING TAKE OFF FROM A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER AT ABOUT 50 FEET AGL. THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO LOOSE ALTITUDE AND AIRSPEED. THE PILOT BEGAN A LEFT TURN TO AN OPEN FIELD. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED IN THE LEFT TURN TOWARD THE PILOTS RESIDENCE. TO AVOID HITTING THE HOUSE, THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY SKIDDED THE AIRPLANE TO THE LEFT, STRIKING THE GROUND IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENCE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED TWO BOLTS THAT RETAIN THE ROCKER ARM SUPPORT PEDESTAL AND ENGINE COOLANT HOUSING HAD SHEARED. ENGINE COOLANT SPRAYED ONTO THE RIGHT SIDE SPARK PLUG LEADS AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE AIRPLANE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:41 PST
Nearest AirportMeadowlark Field (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCurtiss JN-4D
Tail NumberN5001
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames M Nissen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCurtis Wright · OX5 · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 77 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data