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December 30, 2011 · Koth Larry Jabiru Calypso · N344MK

Mansfield, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 30, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Mansfield, MA
Aircraft
Koth Larry Jabiru Calypso
Tail Number
N344MK
Operator
Lafratta Paul M
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA129

The pilot/owner was practicing takeoffs and landings in the recently certificated experimental amateur-built airplane. After completing an adjustment of the left wing to control a rolling tendency, as well as multiple adjustments to the hand-operated brakes, the pilot performed a short flight over the runway and landed about 400 feet beyond the point of takeoff. The airplane touched down about 55 knots airspeed, and the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane veered, did not slow, and departed the left side of the runway. The airplane continued about 900 feet after touchdown before it collided with terrain and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. After the accident, the pilot could not recall if he had reduced the throttle upon landing. Examination of the cockpit revealed that the flight controls, engine controls, and the hand-operated brake control were of a nonstandard configuration, and all had matching red handles. It was also noted that application of the brakes required the pilot to release the control stick. Examination of the braking system revealed binding of the left brake caliper and disk, missing washers from the right brake caliper, distortion of the left and right inner lining plates over the piston of each brake assembly, and compression of the return springs. Other than the known wing and brake anomalies, the pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot did not maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s not closing the throttle upon landing and his improper adjustment of the airplane’s brakes.

Full Narrative

The pilot/owner was practicing takeoffs and landings in the recently certificated experimental amateur-built airplane at the time of the accident. After completing an adjustment of the left wing to control a rolling tendency, as well as multiple adjustments to the hand-operated brakes, the pilot performed a short flight over the runway, and landed back about 400 feet beyond the point of takeoff. The airplane touched down about 55 knots airspeed, and the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane did not slow and departed the left side of the runway. The airplane continued approximately 900 feet after touchdown, before it collided with terrain, and came to rest inverted resulting in substantial damage to the wings. After the accident, the pilot could not recall if he had reduced the throttle upon landing. Examination of the cockpit revealed that the flight controls, engine controls, and the hand-operated brake control were of a non-standard configuration, and all had matching red handles. It was also noted that application of the brakes required the pilot to release the control stick. Other than the known wing and brake anomalies, the pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EST
Nearest AirportMansfield Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKoth Larry Jabiru Calypso
Tail NumberN344MK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLafratta Paul M
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 2200 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time16:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data