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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 19, 2007 · Bruce E Hotz Wind Wagon · N9017M

Leesburg, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 19, 2007
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Leesburg, FL
Aircraft
Bruce E Hotz Wind Wagon
Tail Number
N9017M
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA07CA061

The installed engine/propeller combination did not produce the intended rpm after becoming airborne during the flight test flight, but the pilot continued the takeoff. During the initial climb when approximately 3/4 down the runway, the flight encountered turbulence, and coupled with reduced performance, resulted in failure to maintain a positive rate of climb. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane in an effort to avoid a stall but the airplane collided with a concrete berm near the departure end of the runway. The airplane then impacted the ground adjacent to a 4-lane highway, and the airplane and a vehicle on the road collided. The pilot reported there was no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction of the engine, flight controls, or systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff after recognizing that the engine rpm was 760 less than desired after becoming airborne, and the inability of the airplane to maintain a positive rate of climb resulting in a controlled descent, and in-flight collision with a concrete blast type fence. A factor in the accident was the in-flight encounter with turbulence.

Full Narrative

During a flight test flight, the pilot applied full power and the airplane became airborne in 400-500 feet; the tachometer read 2,240 instead of the planned 3,000 rpm. The pilot continued and the initial rate of climb was "...low but positive." The airplane climbed to approximately 100 feet, and when at midfield, the flight encountered turbulence which resulted in a loss of altitude (10-20 feet), and a loss of airspeed (several miles-per-hour). The pilot recovered both and a positive rate of climb was re-established. When approximately 3/4 down the runway, the flight again encountered turbulence resulting in the inability to maintain a positive rate of climb. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane in an effort to avoid a stall, but the airplane collided with a concrete berm near the departure end of the runway. The airplane then impacted the ground adjacent to a 4-lane highway, and the airplane and a vehicle on the road collided. The pilot reported there was no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction of the engine, flight controls, or systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:55 EDT
Nearest AirportLeesburg International Airport (0nm)
Runway3
Runway Length4957 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBruce E Hotz Wind Wagon
Tail NumberN9017M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · 4A032 · Reciprocating · 18
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.39 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data