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NTSB Report
September 21, 1988 · Jones · UNREG
Elkhart, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 21, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Elkhart, IN
Aircraft
Jones
Tail Number
UNREG
Operator
John Edward Jones
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI88DET06
AIRCRAFT WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE PILOT INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TEST FLIGHT. ON FIRST ATTEMPT TO TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT GOT 12 TO 18 INCHES OFF THE GROUND. PILOT MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO AIRCRAFT AND GOT AIRBORNE ON SECOND ATTEMPT. AIRCRAFT CLIMBED TO AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET AND STRUCK LOWER TELEPHONE CABLE ON UTILITY POLES ONE-QUARTER MILE OFF DEPARTURE END OF RUNWAY.
NTSB Probable Cause
INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT DESIGN WHICH RESULTED UNACCEPTABLE AIRCRAFT TAKEOFF AND CLIMB CAPABILITY.
Full Narrative
AIRCRAFT WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE PILOT INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TEST FLIGHT. ON FIRST ATTEMPT TO TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT GOT 12 TO 18 INCHES OFF THE GROUND. PILOT MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO AIRCRAFT AND GOT AIRBORNE ON SECOND ATTEMPT. AIRCRAFT CLIMBED TO AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET AND STRUCK LOWER TELEPHONE CABLE ON UTILITY POLES ONE-QUARTER MILE OFF DEPARTURE END OF RUNWAY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:55 EDT
Nearest AirportMIDWAY (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width140 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftJones
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJohn Edward Jones
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 532 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC