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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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September 3, 1999 · Schwarzler KOLB MARK 3 KOLB MARK · N8979

Independence, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 3, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Independence, OR
Aircraft
Schwarzler KOLB MARK 3 KOLB MARK
Tail Number
N8979
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA99LA155

The pilot remained in the pattern during the aircraft's second test flight to check the flight characteristics and control responses. During a landing, the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at an altitude approximately 20 feet above the ground (agl), with an airspeed approximately 50 mph. According to the pilot, after crossing the threshold, the aircraft's left wing dropped suddenly, and the aircraft subsequently contacted the terrain. During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he must have 'stalled' the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while on approach.

Full Narrative

On September 3, 1999, about 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Schwarzler Kolb Mark 3, N8979, registered to a private owner, and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal/pleasure flight, was substantially damaged while landing at Independence State Airport, Independence, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The flight originated from Independence approximately 30 minutes prior to the accident. There was no fire, and no report of ELT activation. The pilot stated that no unusual difficulties were encountered during the aircraft's first test flight, which took place two days prior to the accident. On the second test flight, the pilot elected to stay in the pattern and check the aircraft's flight characteristics and control responses. During a landing, the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at an altitude approximately 20 feet above the ground (agl), with an airspeed approximately 50 mph. According to the pilot, after crossing the threshold, the aircraft's left wing dropped suddenly, and the aircraft subsequently contacted the terrain. During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he must have "stalled" the aircraft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 PDT
Nearest AirportIndependence State (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length3070 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchwarzler KOLB MARK 3 KOLB MARK
Tail NumberN8979
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 618 · Reciprocating · 70
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data