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NTSB Report
August 21, 1987 · Bede Aircraft BD5B · N533BD
Wilmington, DE
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Wilmington, DE
Aircraft
Bede Aircraft BD5B
Tail Number
N533BD
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO87DHD08
THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING AN INITIAL TEST FLIGHT OF HIS HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT. HE STATED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT ACCELERATE, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB TO CLEAR OBSTACLES (TREES) OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TOP OF THE TREES AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT 'THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING GOOD, EVERYTHING SEEMED OK....AIRCRAFT HANDLED BEAUTIFULLY, BUT DID NOT ACCELERATE.'
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR OBSTACLES LOCATED OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. HIS OVERCONFIDENCE IN THE HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT'S PERFORMANCE WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING AN INITIAL TEST FLIGHT OF HIS HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT. HE STATED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT ACCELERATE, AND HE WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB TO CLEAR OBSTACLES (TREES) OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TOP OF THE TREES AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT 'THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING GOOD, EVERYTHING SEEMED OK....AIRCRAFT HANDLED BEAUTIFULLY, BUT DID NOT ACCELERATE.'
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:24 EDT
Nearest AirportGreater Wilmington (0nm N)
Runway1
Runway Length7100 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBede Aircraft BD5B
Tail NumberN533BD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsKawasaki · T-C-440 -A2D · Reciprocating · 70
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360°
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:24
Weather SourceWFAC