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December 28, 2009 · Lyman Randall/Scott David AVID Flyer · N491DS

Eldon, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 28, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Eldon, MO
Aircraft
Lyman Randall/Scott David AVID Flyer
Tail Number
N491DS
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10CA089

The pilot reported that he was preparing the homebuilt airplane for its first flight for the owner. He said that on the morning of the accident the airplane's engine was run for approximately 30 minutes for break-in at full power. After the engine run the cowling was reinstalled and the engine ran for an additional 15 minutes. Subsequently, the pilot performed taxi testing of the airplane. He had made 2 taxi tests to about 40 miles per hour, which he estimated would be the airplane's approximate stall speed. He stated that on the third taxi test, when about two-thirds of the way down the runway, a gust of wind caused the airplane to become airborne. The pilot stated that when he was able to get the airplane under control there was insufficient runway remaining to perform a landing and he decided to continue and return for landing. He stated that this was to be a taxi test only and that he had no intention to fly the airplane at that time. While attempting to climb, the pilot noticed that the engine speed was too high and he was not able to climb effectively. The pilot attempted to turn the airplane back to the airport to make a downwind landing, but the airplane began to stall. He stated that he lowered the nose and determined that he would not be able to make the runway. As the airplane's altitude decayed, the pilot pulled back on the stick and the airplane struck the ground. The pilot stated that he believed that the pitch setting of the airplane's propeller was improper, which did not allow proper thrust production for flight. During the accident the propeller blades were fragmented and determination of the installed pitch setting could not be obtained.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Attain/maintain not possible - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was preparing the homebuilt airplane for its first flight for the owner. He said that on the morning of the accident the airplane's engine was run for approximately 30 minutes for break-in at full power. After the engine run the cowling was re-installed and the engine run for an additional 15 minutes. Subsequently, the pilot performed taxi testing of the airplane. He had made 2 taxi tests to about 40 miles per hour which he estimated would be approximately stall speed for the airplane. He stated that on the third taxi test, when about two-thirds of the way down the runway, a gust of wind caused the airplane to become airborne. The pilot stated that when he was able to get the airplane under control there was insufficient runway remaining to perform a landing and he decided to continue and return for landing. He stated that this was to be a taxi test only and that he had no intention to fly the airplane at that time. While attempting to climb, the pilot noticed that the engine speed was too high and he was not able to climb effectively. The pilot attempted to turn the airplane back to the airport to make a downwind landing, but the airplane began to stall. He stated that he lowered the nose and determined that he would not be able to make the runway. As the airplane's altitude decayed, the pilot pulled back on the stick and the airplane struck the ground. The pilot stated that he believed that the pitch setting of the airplane's propeller was improper which did not allow proper thrust production for flight. During the accident the propeller blades were fragmented and determination of the installed pitch setting could not be obtained.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 CST
Nearest AirportEldon Model Airpark (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLyman Randall/Scott David AVID Flyer
Tail NumberN491DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 13 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 23 C
Altimeter30.26 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data