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NTSB Report
February 21, 1986 · Henley Aerodrome Fokker DR1 Aerodrome · N50CH
Santa Ynez, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 21, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Santa Ynez, CA
Aircraft
Henley Aerodrome Fokker DR1 Aerodrome
Tail Number
N50CH
Operator
Dan Mattice
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX86LA122
A HOMEBUILT AERODROME FOKKER DR1 CRASHED AFTER TAKEOFF. THE ACFT HAD BEEN IN STORAGE FOR OVER 5 YRS AND HAD JUST COMPLETED AN ANNUAL INSPECTION.THE FLT WAS A POST ANNUAL INSPECTION TEST FLT.THE PLT HAD EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE MAINTAINING AND FLYING HOMEBUILT ACFT AND BIPLANES, BUT HE HAD NEVER FLOWN A TRI-WING ACFT BEFORE. THE ACFT CLIMBED TO APPROXIMATELY 50 FT AFTER TAKEOFF AND MAINTAINED THAT ALT DOWN THE LENGTH OF THE RWY. AT THE END OF THE RWY THE ACFT BEGAN A SKIDDING LEFT TURN AND A CLIMB. WHILE IN THE TURN THE ACFT NOSE PITCHED DOWN AND THE ACFT DOVE INTO THE GROUND.
Full Narrative
A HOMEBUILT AERODROME FOKKER DR1 CRASHED AFTER TAKEOFF. THE ACFT HAD BEEN IN STORAGE FOR OVER 5 YRS AND HAD JUST COMPLETED AN ANNUAL INSPECTION.THE FLT WAS A POST ANNUAL INSPECTION TEST FLT.THE PLT HAD EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE MAINTAINING AND FLYING HOMEBUILT ACFT AND BIPLANES, BUT HE HAD NEVER FLOWN A TRI-WING ACFT BEFORE. THE ACFT CLIMBED TO APPROXIMATELY 50 FT AFTER TAKEOFF AND MAINTAINED THAT ALT DOWN THE LENGTH OF THE RWY. AT THE END OF THE RWY THE ACFT BEGAN A SKIDDING LEFT TURN AND A CLIMB. WHILE IN THE TURN THE ACFT NOSE PITCHED DOWN AND THE ACFT DOVE INTO THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 PST
Nearest AirportSanta Ynez (1nm SW)
Runway26
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftHenley Aerodrome Fokker DR1 Aerodrome
Tail NumberN50CH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDan Mattice
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWarner · SUPERSCARAB14 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270°
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT