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May 8, 2018 · Diven Robert Nieuport 17 NO Series · N315BD

Las Cruces, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 8, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Las Cruces, NM
Aircraft
Diven Robert Nieuport 17 NO Series (2018)
Tail Number
N315BD
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA266

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped biplane, the purpose of the flight was to accomplish the first test flight of the experimental, amateur-built airplane. During the takeoff roll, the airplane yawed left when the tail lifted. He reported that the airplane became airborne but would not accelerate. The airplane remained in ground effect, exited the runway, collided with rising terrain, and subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and the left main and subwings. The METAR at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 40° at 4 knots. The temperature was 81°F, and the dew point was 27°F. The barometric setting was 30.12 inches of mercury, and the airport elevation was 4,456 ft. The density altitude was 6,742 ft. The pilot used runway 8. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to attain a positive climb rate after takeoff in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped bi-plane, the purpose of the flight was to accomplish the first test flight of the experimental amateur-built airplane. During the takeoff roll the airplane yawed to the left when the tail lifted. He reported that the airplane became airborne but would not accelerate. The airplane remained in ground effect, collided with rising terrain, and subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and the left main and sub-wings. The METAR at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 04° at 4 knots. The temperature was 81°F and the dew point was 27°F. The barometric setting was 30.12Hg and the airport elevation was 4,456ft. The density altitude was 6,742ft. The pilot used runway 8. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 MDT
Nearest AirportLas Cruces Intl (0nm NE)
Runway08
Runway Length6069 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDiven Robert Nieuport 17 NO Series
Tail NumberN315BD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · EA81 · Reciprocating · 60
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time15:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data