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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

September 25, 2004 · Johnson Titan Tornado I · UNREG

Carlton, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 25, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Carlton, MN
Aircraft
Johnson Titan Tornado I
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04CA291

The homebuilt airplane impacted trees during its maiden takeoff from a private airstrip. The pilot reported that the airplane "did not lift-off as expected" and it "bounced into air" after a 600 foot long ground roll. The pilot stated that the airplane "climbed out slowly" and impacted the top of a 40 foot high tree with a wingtip. The pilot reported the airplane came to rest nose-down, hanging from the tree. The pilot believes he incorrectly set the pitch of the propeller during construction, which resulted in a reduced engine power output. The airplane had not been issued a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness or registration certificate. The pilot reported his last medical certificate was issued during 1964. The pilot stated his total flight experience was about 65 hours.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff. Factors to the accident included the diminished takeoff performance due to the incorrect propeller pitch setting and the tree that the airplane impacted.

Full Narrative

On September 25, 2004, at 1631 central daylight time, an unregistered Titan Tornado I, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during takeoff from a private airstrip near Carlton, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight test was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the accident flight was the maiden flight for the homebuilt airplane. The pilot reported that the airplane "did not lift-off as expected" and it "bounced into air" after a 600 foot long ground roll. The pilot stated that the airplane "climbed out slowly" and impacted the top of a 40 foot high tree with a wingtip. The pilot reported the airplane came to rest nose-down, hanging from the tree. The pilot believes he incorrectly set the pitch of the propeller during construction, which resulted in a reduced engine power output. The airplane had not been issued a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness or registration certificate. The pilot reported his last medical certificate was issued during 1964. The pilot stated his total flight experience was about 65 hours.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:31 CDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm W)
Runway27
Runway Length600 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftJohnson Titan Tornado I
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsMotori Zanzoterra · M2-301 · Reciprocating · 92
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Unknown · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 50
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time02:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data