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May 17, 2000 · Richard Shaffer Aircamper GN-1 Aircamper · N2308C

Florence, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 2000
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Florence, SC
Aircraft
Richard Shaffer Aircamper GN-1 Aircamper
Tail Number
N2308C
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA00LA159

The pilot obtained current weather before takeoff from the FBO and also by ATIS. The preflight and engine run-up were uneventful. After takeoff about 20 feet agl, the airplane suddenly and violently banked to the left. He corrected with full right rudder and right aileron but was unsuccessful, the left wing of the airplane impacted the ground. The pilot reduced power and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted on a closed runway. Post crash examination of the flight controls by the pilot and an FAA inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The pilot also stated that there was no evidence of preimpact structural failure or malfunction. A weather observation taken on the airport 17 minutes after the accident indicates in part that the wind was from 240 degrees at 9 knots variable from 200 to 290 degrees. There were no reported wind gusts.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control after takeoff resulting in the uncontrolled descent and impact on a closed runway.

Full Narrative

On May 17, 2000, about 1126 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Aircamper GN-1, N2308C, registered to a private individual, experienced a loss of control on takeoff and collided with terrain at the Florence Regional Airport, Florence, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he obtained current and forecast weather from a machine at the fixed-base operator, and also received the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) before takeoff. He performed a preflight and engine run-up before departure with no discrepancies noted. Before takeoff he noted that the windsock adjacent to the departure end of runway 19 was indicating that the wind was from 210 degrees at about 7 knots. He began the takeoff roll and initiated a normal climb until about 20 feet above ground level (agl) when the airplane suddenly and violently banked to the left. He applied full right rudder and also right aileron input but was not able to recover before the left wing impacted the ground. He then reduced power and the airplane then nosed over and came to rest on a closed runway. Postcrash, he checked the flight controls and stated, "they moved correctly and freely." He also stated that there was no evidence of preimpact structural failure or malfunction. Postaccident examination of the accident site by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane was located on a closed runway (05/23), 300 feet east of runway 19, and approximately 1,000 feet from the departure end of runway 19. Skid marks on the ground between runway 19 and the resting point of the airplane were observed. Gouges and a groove in the pavement from the propeller and right main landing gear were noted. Both propeller blades were fractured; flight control continuity was confirmed. A copy of the inspector statement is an attachment to this report. A METAR (Aviation Routine Weather Report) taken at the airport 17 minutes after the accident indicates in part that the wind was from 240 degrees at 9 knots variable from 200 to 290 degrees. There were no reported wind gusts.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:26 EDT
Nearest AirportFlorence Regional (0nm)
Runway19
Runway Length5999 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRichard Shaffer Aircamper GN-1 Aircamper
Tail NumberN2308C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:43
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data