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July 16, 2003 · Mikoyan MIG-15BIS · N15PE

Little Rock, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 16, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Little Rock, AR
Aircraft
Mikoyan MIG-15BIS
Tail Number
N15PE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW03LA187

The vintage airplane overran the departure end of the runway during an aborted takeoff following a loss of engine power. The 12,450-hour pilot stated that right after rotation, while the airplane was about 10 feet off the runway, the airplane "shook" and the engine lost power. The aircraft subsequently settled back into the runway; however, the pilot was not able to stop the airplane in the 1,000 feet of runway remaining. A tower controller reported seeing a "puff of smoke" coming from the engine about the time the airplane became airborne. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway, impacted the perimeter fence, and came to rest in a field. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On July 16, 2003, at 1600 central daylight time, a Mikoyan MIG-15BIS vintage Russian military airplane, N15PE, was substantially damaged when it overran the runway during an aborted takeoff following a loss of engine power at the Adams Field Airport (LIT), near Little Rock, Arkansas. The airline transport pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the business flight being conducted under the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the cross-country flight to Bloomington, Indiana. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the 12,450-hour pilot, while the airplane was approximately 10 feet above the runway, the airplane "shook," the engine lost power, and the airplane settled back onto the 5,126-foot runway. The pilot abort the takeoff; however, he was unable to stop the airplane on the remaining 1,000-foot of runway. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway, impacted the airport perimeter fence, and came to rest in a field. An air traffic control (ATC) tower operator, reported seeing a "puff of smoke" coming from the engine about the same time the airplane became airborne. The pilot reported to that the flight was en route to Dayton, Ohio, where the airplane was scheduled to participate in an annual air show. The airplane's 540 gallons fuel system was topped-off during the intermediate refueling stop at LIT. The pilot reported having accumulated a total of 239-flight hours in the airplane. Based on an elevation of 262 feet, a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of Mercury, the investigator in charge (IIC) calculated the density altitude to be 3,009 feet. An examination of the airplane by FAA inspectors, who responded to the accident site, revealed no external signs of engine damage. The airplane received structural damage to the leading edge of both wings. There was no fire and some fuel was spilled at the accident site. A fuel sample was taken from the airplane and no sign of fuel contamination was found. The fuel from the refueling truck was also found to be within specifications. The Korean war vintage fighter had accumulated a total of 3,108 hours. The Klimov engine had accumulated a total of 1,464 hours, with 832 hours since its last major overhaul. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest AirportAdams Field (1nm S)
Runway18
Runway Length5126 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMikoyan MIG-15BIS
Tail NumberN15PE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurbojet
Engine DetailsKlimov · KLIMOV-VK-7 · Turbojet · 6000
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time21:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data