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NTSB Report
May 20, 1988 · Davis Heath Model V Heath MODE · N312HD
Valparaiso, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Valparaiso, IN
Aircraft
Davis Heath Model V Heath MODE
Tail Number
N312HD
Operator
Davis Earl L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI88DET03
THE PLT RPRTD THAT WHEN HE APPLIED POWER TO TAKEOFF, THE ACFT 'PULLED TO THE RIGHT.' HE SAID THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE, BUT TOUCHED DOWN AGAIN & CONTD TO GO TO THE RIGHT. ALSO, HE SAID HE TRIED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION WITH LEFT RUDDER, BUT THE RUDDER SEEMED TO BE LOCKED & WOULD NOT MOVE. HE THEN NOTICED THE ACFT WAS HEADING TOWARD AN ILS TOWER, SO HE 'BANKED A LITTLE MORE TO THE RIGHT AND MISSED THE TOWER.' MOMENTS LATER, THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD THAT WHEN HE APPLIED POWER TO TAKEOFF, THE ACFT 'PULLED TO THE RIGHT.' HE SAID THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE, BUT TOUCHED DOWN AGAIN & CONTD TO GO TO THE RIGHT. ALSO, HE SAID HE TRIED TO CORRECT THE SITUATION WITH LEFT RUDDER, BUT THE RUDDER SEEMED TO BE LOCKED & WOULD NOT MOVE. HE THEN NOTICED THE ACFT WAS HEADING TOWARD AN ILS TOWER, SO HE 'BANKED A LITTLE MORE TO THE RIGHT AND MISSED THE TOWER.' MOMENTS LATER, THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 EDT
Nearest AirportPorter County (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDavis Heath Model V Heath MODE
Tail NumberN312HD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavis Earl L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · 1834 CC · Reciprocating · 60
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 4 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:52
Weather SourceWFAC