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May 2, 2020 · Dayton-Wright DH-4 · N32517

Bowling Green, KY

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 2, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bowling Green, KY
Aircraft
Dayton-Wright DH-4 (1918)
Tail Number
N32517
Operator
Saving Liberty Dh4
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA168

The pilot reported that, during the first flight test of the antique airplane, which was in the process of being restored, he had difficulty controlling the airplane in the roll axis. After takeoff, he noticed that the airplane required some right aileron to keep the wings level. After turning crosswind, the problem worsened, and required that he apply more pressure to the control stick (in the right aileron direction). As he turned downwind, he used nearly full right aileron to maintain control, and the force on the control stick was so high that he was unable to hold it with one hand. When he removed his left hand from the control stick to adjust the throttle, the airplane would roll toward the left. As the airplane approached the base leg, the pilot was unable to keep the wings level; the airplane entered a slip and he was unable to prevent the airplane from turning left. The airplane descended, touched down in the grass to the right of the runway, and came to rest nose down. Examination of the airplane revealed that the aileron control system was continuous. However, due to the airplane damage, the rigging of the aileron system could not be evaluated. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage, lower wing, and horizontal stabilizer.

NTSB Probable Cause

A primary control (aileron) system anomaly that progressively worsened during a test flight that resulted in a loss of control. The reason for the anomaly was not determined due to impact damage.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during the first flight test of the antique airplane, which was in the process of being restored, he had difficulty controlling the airplane in the roll axis. After takeoff, he noticed that the airplane required some right aileron to keep the wings level. After turning crosswind, the problem worsened, and required that he apply more pressure to the control stick (in the right aileron direction). As he turned downwind, he used nearly full right aileron to maintain control, and the force on the control stick was so high that he was unable to hold it with one hand. When he removed his left hand from the control stick to adjust the throttle, the airplane would roll toward the left. As the airplane approached the base leg, the pilot was unable to keep the wings level; the airplane entered a slip and he was unable to prevent the airplane from turning left. The airplane descended, touched down in the grass to the right of the runway, and came to rest nose down. Examination of the airplane revealed that the aileron control system was continuous. However, due to the airplane damage, the rigging of the aileron system could not be evaluated. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage, lower wing, and horizontal stabilizer.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBowling Green-Warren County Rg (0nm SSW)
Runway03
Runway Length6501 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDayton-Wright DH-4
Tail NumberN32517
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSaving Liberty Dh4
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLincoln · Liberty V12 · Reciprocating · 400
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 52
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data