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NTSB Report
August 1, 1986 · Capetown Builders Glasair RG · N137JM
Fond Du Lac, WI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fond Du Lac, WI
Aircraft
Capetown Builders Glasair RG
Tail Number
N137JM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI86FA193
THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE THAT WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN WIRE AT AN ALTERNATOR TERMINAL. UPON EXTENSION OF THE HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED LANDING GEAR A SAFE GEAR DOWN INDICATION WAS NOT OBTAINED. ACTIVATION OF THE CO2 OPERATED EMERGENCY GEAR EXTENSION SYSTEM FAILED TO PROVIDE A SAFE GEAR DOWN INDICATION. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANY FACILITY TO DETERMINE THE POSITION OF THE LANDING GEAR BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON THE GRASS ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY. THE GEAR WAS DOWN AND UPON TOUCHDOWN, THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN IT DUG INTO THE SOFT TERRAIN. THE AIRCRAFT THEN FLIPPED INVERTED.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE THAT WAS CAUSED BY A BROKEN WIRE AT AN ALTERNATOR TERMINAL. UPON EXTENSION OF THE HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED LANDING GEAR A SAFE GEAR DOWN INDICATION WAS NOT OBTAINED. ACTIVATION OF THE CO2 OPERATED EMERGENCY GEAR EXTENSION SYSTEM FAILED TO PROVIDE A SAFE GEAR DOWN INDICATION. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANY FACILITY TO DETERMINE THE POSITION OF THE LANDING GEAR BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON THE GRASS ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY. THE GEAR WAS DOWN AND UPON TOUCHDOWN, THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN IT DUG INTO THE SOFT TERRAIN. THE AIRCRAFT THEN FLIPPED INVERTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CDT
Nearest AirportFond Du Lac County (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCapetown Builders Glasair RG
Tail NumberN137JM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC