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NTSB Report
April 15, 1988 · Henderson RV-4 · N51HH
Defuniak Sprngs, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 15, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Defuniak Sprngs, FL
Aircraft
Henderson RV-4
Tail Number
N51HH
Operator
Henderson Harley L
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA88LA148
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 100 FT WHILE ON A PERSONAL FLT, THE ENG QUIT. THE PLT BANKED THE ACFT TO THE LEFT TO LAND ON A RD BUT LOST CONTROL DURING THE MANEUVER. THE ACFT DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED AND COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN. EXAMINATION OF THE MAGNETO SWITCH REVEALED THAT A STEEL SPRING ON THE INSIDE SHORTED THE BOTH POSITION. THE LT OR RT POSITIONS WERE OPERABLE. THE PLT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 100 FT WHILE ON A PERSONAL FLT, THE ENG QUIT. THE PLT BANKED THE ACFT TO THE LEFT TO LAND ON A RD BUT LOST CONTROL DURING THE MANEUVER. THE ACFT DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED AND COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN. EXAMINATION OF THE MAGNETO SWITCH REVEALED THAT A STEEL SPRING ON THE INSIDE SHORTED THE BOTH POSITION. THE LT OR RT POSITIONS WERE OPERABLE. THE PLT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CDT
Nearest AirportDe Funiak Springs (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHenderson RV-4
Tail NumberN51HH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHenderson Harley L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B3B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC