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NTSB Report

August 3, 2007 · Mellema Bede 4 · N76VR

Ennis, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 3, 2007
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Ennis, TX
Aircraft
Mellema Bede 4
Tail Number
N76VR
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW07CA175

The 520-hour private pilot lost directional control of the single-engine tailwheel equipped experimental airplane during the landing roll on. The pilot reported that while in the pattern for the 3,999-foot long, by 50-foot wide runway, the tailwheel developed an excessive shimmy resulting in the loss of directional control. The pilot added that during his fifth touch and go, he first noted that the airplane started a slight drift to the left, which was followed by an uncommanded turn to the right. The airplane exited off the right side of the asphalt runway, into the grass. The airplane subsequently nosed-over and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane unassisted. An examination of the airplane revealed that the engine firewall sustained structural damage during the accident sequence. Additionally, the right steering chain was found separated from the steering arm of the tailwheel assembly. The reason for the separation could not be determined. The winds at the time of the accident were reported as light and variable.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane following the disconnect of the tailwheel steering chain while landing.

Full Narrative

The 520-hour private pilot lost directional control of the single-engine tailwheel equipped experimental airplane during the landing roll on. The pilot reported that while in the pattern for the 3,999-foot long, by 50-foot wide runway, the tailwheel developed an excessive shimmy resulting in the loss of directional control. The pilot added that during his fifth touch and go, he first noted that the airplane started a slight drift to the left, which was followed by an uncommanded turn to the right. The airplane exited off the right side of the asphalt runway, into the grass. The airplane subsequently nosed-over and came to rest in an inverted position. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane unassisted. An examination of the airplane revealed that the engine firewall sustained structural damage during the accident sequence. Additionally, the right steering chain was found separated from the steering arm of the tailwheel assembly. The reason for the separation could not be determined. The winds at the time of the mishap were reported as light and variable.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 CDT
Nearest AirportEnnis Muni (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length3999 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMellema Bede 4
Tail NumberN76VR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1B6D · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:44
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data