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August 12, 2017 · Charles D Walker Walker Curtiss JN4D NO Series · N8262

Bowling Green, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 12, 2017
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Bowling Green, KY
Aircraft
Charles D Walker Walker Curtiss JN4D NO Series (2013)
Tail Number
N8262
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA488

The pilot of the experimental, amateur-built biplane reported that, following a normal initial climb, about 100 ft above the ground, the biplane started an uncommanded left turn, followed by a descent. He added that it became apparent that the flightpath was into the tree line, and he "attempted to climb to possibly maintain at least an altitude to clear the trees, but to no avail, nearly stalling." Subsequently, the biplane impacted the trees. The biplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that the biplane is "not very stable once in a flying configuration, any air mass (gusts) change can disturb the balance and result in self-induced turns, climbs and descents. These movements have to be countered immediately because of the relative size (small) of control surfaces (rudder, ailerons). And corrections are slow, possibly resulting in loss of altitude. Pilots expect these upsets and become alert for them." The automated weather observation system on the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 360° at 5 knots. The pilot was departing from runway 03. The calculated density altitude was 1,897 ft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the biplane’s critical angle of attack during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with trees.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the experimental, amateur-built, biplane reported that, following a normal initial climb, about 100 ft. above the ground, the biplane started an un-commanded turn to the left, followed by a descent. He added that, it became apparent that the flight path was into the tree line, and he "attempted to climb to possibly maintain at least an altitude to clear the trees, but to no avail, nearly stalling." Subsequently, the biplane impacted the trees. The biplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the biplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that, the biplane is "not very stable once in a flying configuration, any air mass (gusts) change can disturb the balance and result in self-induced turns, climbs and descents. These movements have to be countered immediately because of the relative size (small) of control surfaces (rudder, ailerons). And corrections are slow, possibly resulting in loss of altitude. Pilots expect these upsets and become alert for them." The automated weather observation system on the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, the wind was 360° at 5 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 03. The calculated density altitude was 1,897 ft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBowling Green-Warren County Rg (0nm N)
Runway03
Runway Length6501 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCharles D Walker Walker Curtiss JN4D NO Series
Tail NumberN8262
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsReciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Basc · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data