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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 31, 2005 · Aermacchi Bosbok AM 3-C · N8ME

Marfa, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Marfa, TX
Aircraft
Aermacchi Bosbok AM 3-C
Tail Number
N8ME
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW05CA148

The 5,855-hour private pilot lost directional control on takeoff and struck a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light with the left stabilizer/elevator. The pilot reported: "I believe the cause of the accident was pilot error. High density altitude and lifting the tail too soon without attaining enough airspeed."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed, and his premature liftoff resulting in a loss of directional control.

Full Narrative

On May 30, 2005, at 1800 Central Standard Time, an experimental Aermacchi Bosbok AM 3-C, single engine airplane, N8ME, sustained substantial damage during takeoff at the Marfa Municipal Airport (MRF), near Marfa, Texas. The private pilot/owner and the passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a written statement, the pilot stated that he lost directional control on takeoff from Runway 30 (a 6,214-foot-long and 75 -foot- wide asphalt runway) and struck a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) light with the left stabilizer/elevator. He stated "I believe the cause of the accident was pilot error. High density altitude and lifting the tail too soon without attaining enough airspeed." The pilot reported a total of 5,855 flight hours, of which 15 hours were in the same make and model in the 90 days preceding the accident. Weather at Marfa Municipal Airport, at 1755, was reported as wind from 260 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 8 miles, clear skies, temperature 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and dewpoint 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftAermacchi Bosbok AM 3-C
Tail NumberN8ME
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · GSO-480-B1B3 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data