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November 5, 2004 · Wilson Loenslo YMF-80 · N6254A

Arcola, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 5, 2004
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Arcola, TX
Aircraft
Wilson Loenslo YMF-80
Tail Number
N6254A
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DFW05LA016

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane was observed on a pronounced nose-high climb attitude. Subsequently, the airplane stalled and impacted the terrain in a nose low attitude approximately 1,000 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. Witnesses observed the airplane in a very steep climb attitude to an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level then start to spin in a clockwise rotation as it descended behind a tree line. Flight control continuity was established throughout the airplane at the accident site and no mechanical anomalies were noted with airframe. The accident flight was the first flight in the airplane by the 328-hour pilot since the airplane was reassembled.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed sufficient for flight resulting in an inadvertent stall/spin during takeoff initial climb.

Full Narrative

On November 5, 2004, approximately 1500 central standard time, an amateur-built Wilson Loenslo YMF-80 tailwheel-equipped single-engine airplane, N6254A, was destroyed upon impact with terrain following a loss of control during initial takeoff climb from the Houston Southwest Airport (AXH), near Arcola, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot/builder. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, reported that several witnesses located at AXH observed the airplane in a very pronounced nose-high climb attitude shortly after takeoff from runway 27 (5,003-foot long and 100-foot wide asphalt runway). At an approximately altitude of 500 feet above ground level (agl), the airplane was observed starting to spin in a clockwise rotation and descending behind a tree line. Subsequently, the airplane impacted terrain in a nose-low attitude approximately 1,000 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The FAA inspector stated that the airplane was initially built in 1999, and flown for approximately eight hours in 2000, by the 328-hour pilot, who was also the builder of the airplane. The airplane was disassembled in 2003, and transported to Arcola before being reassembled by the pilot. The accident flight was the first flight since the airplane was reassembled. Examination of the wreckage of the airplane at the accident site by the FAA inspector confirmed that the airplane impacted soft ground in a nose-low attitude. The Subaru automotive engine was found partly embedded in the soft ground. All of the main components of the airframe were found within the main wreckage, and flight control continuity was established to all flight controls. At 1453, the Automated Surface Observing System at the Sugar Land Regional Airport, near Sugar Land, Texas, located approximately 11 nautical miles northwest of the accident site reported variable wind at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky condition clear, temperature 71 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.25 inches of Mercury. Despite several attempts by the investigator-in-charge, the pilot did not provide the Safety Board with a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CST
Nearest AirportHouston Southwest Airport (1nm W)
Runway27
Runway Length5003 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWilson Loenslo YMF-80
Tail NumberN6254A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · ALL MDLS A/B · Reciprocating · 105
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data