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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 1, 2003 · Master Donald C BD5B · N515KH

Traverse City, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 1, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Traverse City, MI
Aircraft
Master Donald C BD5B
Tail Number
N515KH
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI04LA026

The airplane was destroyed when it impacted the terrain during landing approach. The airplane came to rest about 1,000 feet short of the intended landing runway. According to the air traffic controller (ATC), the pilot taxied and called for departure at 1543. The airplane was cleared for takeoff and was to maintain a southwest heading after takeoff. The controller stated that the pilot called to return to the field at 1545. The controller asked the pilot if anything was wrong, because of the brief duration of the flight. The controller stated that at this time the pilot reported no problems. At 1546, the airplane was cleared to land. At 1547, the pilot indicated a gear problem and requested to circle the field. At 1550, the pilot informed the controller that "everything looks ok." The airplane was again cleared to land. At 1552, the airplane crashed approximately 1/2 mile south of runway 36. No pre-impact defects were found with respect to the aircraft during a post-accident examination. The reported winds were from 090 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot in command not maintaining control of the aircraft during the final approach.

Full Narrative

On November 1, 2003, at 1552 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Master BD5B airplane, N515KH, piloted by a private pilot, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain during landing approach at the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Traverse City, Michigan. The airplane came to rest about 1,000 feet short of runway 36 (5,107 feet by 150 feet, asphalt). The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was fatally injured. The local flight originated at 1543. According to the air traffic controller at TVC tower, the pilot taxied and called for departure at 1543. The airplane was cleared for takeoff and was to maintain a southwest heading after takeoff. The controller stated that the pilot called to return to the field at 1545. The controller asked the pilot if anything was wrong, because of the brief duration of the flight. The controller stated that at this time the pilot reported no problems. At 1546, the airplane was cleared to land. At 1547, the pilot indicated a landing gear problem and requested to circle. At 1550, the pilot informed the controller that "everything looks ok." The airplane was again cleared to land. At 1552, the airplane crashed approximately 1/2 mile south of runway 36. The accident aircraft was an amateur-built Master BD5B, serial number 474. The BD5B is an experimental category airplane with 1 seat. The accident aircraft was powered by a Honda CX500 engine rated at 60 horsepower powering a pusher propeller. The accident aircraft was issued its registration on July 15, 2003, pending a N number change, and received its airworthiness certificate on October 20, 1991. An investigator from the Federal Aviation Administration conducted a post-accident inspection of the airplane. No pre-impact defects were found. The reported winds at the time of the accident were from 090 degrees at 5 knots. An autopsy was performed on the pilot at Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Federal Aviation Administration's Civil Aeromedical Institute prepared a Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report on the pilot. The report indicated SALICYLATE found in urine. Salicylate is found in Aspirin.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:52 EST
Nearest AirportCherry Capital (0nm S)
Runway36
Runway Length5107 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaster Donald C BD5B
Tail NumberN515KH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHonda · CX500 · Reciprocating · 60
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 34 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data