# NTSB ATL01LA046: Jacques J. Mistrot Skybolt, N58JM, Smithfield, NC, April 2, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 2, 2001, 17:40 local (21:40 UTC) - Place: Smithfield, NC - Coordinates: 35.500366, -78.34037 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5004&lon=-78.3404&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report July 30, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-- FSDO-05 - NTSB case key (mKey): 52007 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL01LA046 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52007/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL01LA046 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during climb out that resulted in the in-flight collision with the ground. A factor was the physical impairment. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - physical impairment, pilot in command (contributing factor) - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis This was the first flight of the experimental airplane. The takeoff roll and initial climb appeared normal. As the airplane continued the climb through 200 feet, it was observed entering a left turn until the airplane developed a nose low attitude. The airplane collided with trees on the right side of the runway. Examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The pilot had a prosthetic leg. ## Factual narrative On April 2, 2001, at 1740 eastern daylight time, a Jacques J. Mistrot, Skybolt, N58JM, an experimental airplane, collided with the ground shortly after liftoff from runway 03 at the Johnston County Airport in Smithfield, North Carolina. The initial test flight was operated by the pilot for the owner under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The test flight departed Smithfield, North Carolina, at 1739. Reportedly, this was the first flight of the experimental airplane. According to the operator, the engine had been running continuously during 3 separate 45 minute taxi sessions. During each check the engine ran smoothly with an rpm varying from 800-2375. The operator stated, "immediately prior to the first flight on the afternoon of April 2, 2001, the pilot and myself accomplished a complete preflight and walk-around inspection. During the inspection all control surfaces were carefully examined for range and proper attachment. The engine compartment, including oil and fuel quantities, were carefully checked." According to witnesses at the airport, the takeoff roll and initial climb appeared normal. As the airplane continued the climb through 200 feet, it was observed entering a left turn until the airplane developed a nose low attitude. The airplane collided with trees on the right side of the runway. The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate and was a certified flight instructor. His total flight time was 25,000 hours, and the approximate flight time in the Skybolt 10 hours. The pilot held a current second-class medical certificate, dated December 8, 2000. The pilot had a prosthetic leg. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or component failures. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions. Postmortem examination and the forensic toxicology of the pilot was performed by Dr. Chancellor at the office of State Medical Examiner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on April 3, 2001. The toxicology examinations were negative for alcohol. Atropine and Lidocaine were detected in the blood and liver. These drugs are commonly used during resuscitation. According to the operator, there was attempted on site resuscitation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N58JM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N58JM-2002-02-05), registration cancelled 2002-02-05, S/N MISTROT-01 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: JACQUES J. MISTROT Skybolt - Registry model: [Mistrot Jacques SKYBOLT](https://openairdocs.org/model/mistrot-jacques-skybolt) (registry code 05607DK) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: MISTROT-01 - Airframe hours: 0 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540/C4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Flight test, Part 91 - Registered owner: Jacques J. Mistrot - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, March 28, 2001, 0 hours before - Departed: JNX, SMITHFIELD, NC - Airport: JNX, Johnston County, runway 03, 5,500 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 66; injuries: fatal; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 25,000 total, 10 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 30.07 inHg ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20010402005479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010402005479A), Apr 2, 2001: Amtr SKYBOLT, Smithfield, NC, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. (-23) A/c took off on first flight since built, at approx. 300 feet AGL a/c rolled to the left. A/c was recovered heading towards the trees on the right side… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.