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NTSB Report

September 2, 2003 · Lancair IVP · N789HS

Manassas, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 2, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Manassas, VA
Aircraft
Lancair IVP
Tail Number
N789HS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03CA188

Prior to the flight, the pilot received an IFR clearance with changes to the route on his flight plan. Subsequently, the pilot felt rushed and distracted during the pre-takeoff checklist, and forgot to extend the flaps to the takeoff position. During the takeoff roll, the airplane initially became airborne, but settled back on the runway. It then traveled off the right side of the runway, struck a runway sign, and came to rest in a grass area.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to follow the published takeoff procedures for the make and model airplane and his failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Full Narrative

On September 2, 2003, about 1040 eastern daylight time, an amateur built Lancair IVP, N789HS, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), Manassas, Virginia. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned flight to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (DTS), Destin, Florida. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that prior to the flight, he received an IFR clearance with complex changes to the route on his flight plan. Subsequently, the pilot felt rushed and distracted during the pre-takeoff checklist, and forgot to extend the flaps to the takeoff position. He initiated a takeoff on runway 16R, a 3,702-foot long, 100-foot wide, asphalt runway. During the takeoff roll, the airplane initially became airborne, but settled back on the runway. It then traveled off the right side of the runway, struck a runway sign, and came to rest in a grass area. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the left main landing gear collapsed, the nose gear sheared off, and both wings sustained substantial damage. The inspector noted that the airplane departed off the right side of the runway about 1,800 feet from the start of the takeoff roll. The reported winds at the accident site, at 1055, were from 140 degrees at 5 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 EDT
Nearest AirportManassas Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway16R
Runway Length3702 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLancair IVP
Tail NumberN789HS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-550 · Reciprocating · 350
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time10:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data