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NTSB Report
March 19, 1986 · Durkota Thorp T-18 · N83GD
Lakeland, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 19, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Lakeland, FL
Aircraft
Durkota Thorp T-18
Tail Number
N83GD
Operator
Joseph E Joiner
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA86FA101
WITNESSES OBSERVED BLACK SMOKE TRAILING FROM THE HOMEBUILT ACFT DURING TAKEOFF & INITIAL CLIMB. THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO CLIMB TO AN ESTIMATED ALT OF 150 TO 200 FT WHERE ENG SOUND CEASED & THE PROP STOPPED. THE ACFT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO ATTEMPT A LEFT TURN BACK TOWARD THE RWY. DURING THE TURN, THE NOSE CAME UP & WITNESSES STATED THAT THE ACFT STALLED ABOUT ONE-HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN & CRASHED TO THE GROUND. AN EXAM OF THE COCKPIT REVEALED THAT THE HAND ACTUATED FUEL PRIMER WAS IN THE UNLOCKED & OUT POSITION. A REVIEW OF THE ACFT'S CHECKLISTS FAILED TO REVEAL ANY REFERENCE TO ENSURING THAT THE PRIMER IS IN & LOCKED AFTER ENGINE START.
Full Narrative
WITNESSES OBSERVED BLACK SMOKE TRAILING FROM THE HOMEBUILT ACFT DURING TAKEOFF & INITIAL CLIMB. THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO CLIMB TO AN ESTIMATED ALT OF 150 TO 200 FT WHERE ENG SOUND CEASED & THE PROP STOPPED. THE ACFT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO ATTEMPT A LEFT TURN BACK TOWARD THE RWY. DURING THE TURN, THE NOSE CAME UP & WITNESSES STATED THAT THE ACFT STALLED ABOUT ONE-HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN & CRASHED TO THE GROUND. AN EXAM OF THE COCKPIT REVEALED THAT THE HAND ACTUATED FUEL PRIMER WAS IN THE UNLOCKED & OUT POSITION. A REVIEW OF THE ACFT'S CHECKLISTS FAILED TO REVEAL ANY REFERENCE TO ENSURING THAT THE PRIMER IS IN & LOCKED AFTER ENGINE START.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:25 EST
Nearest AirportLAKELAND (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDurkota Thorp T-18
Tail NumberN83GD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJoseph E Joiner
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:50
Weather SourceWFAC