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June 19, 2004 · Bracken CB540 · N5439N

Lapeer, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Lapeer, MI
Aircraft
Bracken CB540
Tail Number
N5439N
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI04CA159

The airplane impacted wires and trees during final approach. The pilot reported that the airplane had a "strong desire to turn left" during the accident flight. The pilot stated he "lost control short of landing." Flight control continuity could not be established due to the extent of damage incurred during the impact. The forward portion of the fuselage, including the canard, elevators and flight control mixing-unit, was extensively damaged. The source of the flight control malfunction could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of control due to an undetermined flight control system malfunction. Contributing factors to the accident were the wires and trees.

Full Narrative

On June 19, 2004, at 1230 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Bracken CB540 (Berkut 540 variant), N5439N, built and operated by a private pilot, was destroyed during an in-flight collision with wires, trees and terrain following a loss of control during final approach to runway 36 (3,605 feet by 50 feet, asphalt), at the Dupont-Lapeer Airport (D95), near Lapeer, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot was seriously injured. The flight departed Detroit City Airport (DET) at an unconfirmed time. The pilot reported that the airplane had a "strong desire to turn left" during the flight to D95. The pilot stated he monitored the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for D95 and he "lost control short of landing." A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an on-site examination of the airplane. The inspector stated that the airplane impacted wires prior to colliding with trees and terrain. The inspector reported that flight control continuity could not be established due to the extent of damage incurred during the impact. The forward portion of the fuselage, including the canard, elevators and flight control mixing-unit, was extensively damaged. The source of the flight control malfunction could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest AirportDupont - Lapeer Airport (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length3605 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBracken CB540
Tail NumberN5439N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-C4B5 · Reciprocating · 315
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind330° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data