# NTSB ATL07CA107: McNicholas S-12, N8157Q, Cambridge, MD, August 25, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: August 25, 2007, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC) - Place: Cambridge, MD - Coordinates: 38.547222, -76.047225 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5472&lon=-76.0472&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report September 27, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Baltimore FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 66504 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL07CA107 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66504/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL07CA107 ## Probable cause The non certificated pilot's failure to remove the control lock prior to taxi and takeoff. ## 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 - removal of control/gust lock(s) - not performed, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The non-certificated pilot stated he completed an adjustment on the brake linage and taxied the airplane to the runway to test the brakes. The cockpit, before starting, and pre take off checklist were not performed. The pilot applied power after taxing onto the runway and the airplane became airborne. The nose of the airplane pitched straight up, and the airplane reached an altitude of about 30 feet. The pilot stated he attempted to push the control stick forward to lower the nose and was unsuccessful. The control stick was moved to the left and the pilot reduced the power. The airplane turned to the left in a nose down, left wing low attitude, and collided with the ground. The pilot exited the airplane, reached back inside the airplane, and shut the engine down. When the pilot was asked if he experienced any mechanical malfunction before the accident, he stated no, "It was a dumb mistake, I did not remove the seatbelt from around the right control stick." ## Factual narrative The non-certificated pilot stated he completed an adjustment on the brake linage and taxied the airplane to the runway to test the brakes. The cockpit, before starting, and pre take off checklist were not performed. The pilot applied power after taxing onto the runway and the airplane became airborne. The nose of the airplane pitched straight up, and the airplane reached an altitude of about 30 feet. The pilot stated he attempted to push the control stick forward to lower the nose and was unsuccessful. The control stick was moved to the left and the pilot reduced the power. The airplane turned to the left in a nose down, left wing low attitude, and collided with the ground. The pilot exited the airplane, reached back inside the airplane, and shut the engine down. When the pilot was asked if he experienced any mechanical malfunction before the accident, he stated no, "It was a dumb mistake, I did not remove the seatbelt from around the right control stick." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8157Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8157Q-2013-05-06), registration cancelled 2013-05-06, S/N 0194470 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: McNicholas S-12 - Registry model: [Mcnicholas William E RANS S12 AIRAILE](https://openairdocs.org/model/mcnicholas-william-e-rans-s12-airaile) (registry code 05610Q9) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 0194470 - Airframe hours: 289 - Engines: Rotax 912 80 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Robert C. Hill - Registered owner: Quinn M. Locklear - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, November 1, 2006, 8 hours before - Departed: KCGE, Cambridge, MD - Airport: KCGE, Cambridge-Dorchester Airport, runway 16, 4,476 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 67; injuries: serious; seat: left; flight hours: 285 total, 185 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 120° at 6 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 79 °F - Altimeter: 29.89 inHg - Observed at: KNHK, 23 nm away ## 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 20070825830559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070825830559A), Aug 25, 2007: Amtr RANSS12AIRLE, Cambridge, MD, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft took off on runway 16 in cge and immediately climbed at a steep angle. At an altitude of about 30 to 50 feet the aircraft rolled to the left and… 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.