# NTSB ATL03LA150: Sherman Holie Freebird, Newnan, GA, September 27, 2003

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 27, 2003, 09:45 local (13:45 UTC)
- Place: Newnan, GA
- Coordinates: 33.311943, -84.770278
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3119&lon=-84.7703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 28, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Atlanta FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 58063
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL03LA150
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/58063/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA150

## Probable cause

The failure of the aileron control rod, and subsequent loss of control in-flight.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff
  - flt control syst,aileron control cable/rod - failure,total (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - aircraft control - not possible
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

According to the pilot, during climb out from runway 14, the airplane began a slow right turn. The pilot attempted to make a correction but the flight controls did not respond. The pilot reduced power and the airplane turned hard to the right and impacted the ground.  Examination of the flight controls revealed the aileron control rod was broken at the stick.

## Factual narrative

On September 27, 2003, at 0945 eastern daylight time, an unregistered Freebird airplane, operated by a student pilot, collided with the runway during takeoff from Newnan Coweta County Airport, Newnan, Georgia. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The student pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The flight departed Newnan Coweta County Airport, Georgia on September 27, 2003 at 0940.

According to the pilot, during climb-out from runway 14, the airplane began a slow uncommanded right turn. The pilot attempted to make a correction but the flight controls did not respond. The pilot reduced power and the airplane turned hard to the right and collided with the ground.

Examination of the airplane revealed the nose of the airplane separated from the airframe and the right wing was buckled. Examination of the flight controls revealed the aileron control rod was broken at the stick, and the part had a total time of 39 hours before failure. No other mechanical anomalies reported by the pilot.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Sherman Holie Freebird
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Engines: 2SI 67L-70 70 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Robert Beasley
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: CCO, NEWNAN, GA
- Destination: CCO, NEWNAN, GA
- Airport: CCO, Newnan Coweta County, runway 14, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; injuries: minor; flight hours: 2,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 0 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.95 inHg
- Observed at: CCO

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.

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