# NTSB ATL86FMG09: Gray Drifter XP, N4817N, Orangeburg, SC, August 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1986, 18:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Orangeburg, SC
- Coordinates: 33.489059, -80.859085 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4891&lon=-80.8591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7008
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FMG09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7008/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FMG09

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HOMEBUILT ACFT CRASHED SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. WITNESSES REPORTED HEARING A LOSS OF POWER DURING INITIAL CLIMB. THE ACFT THEN ENTERED AN ABRUPT RIGHT TURN AND DESCENDED TO GROUND IMPACT. POST ACCIDENT BENCH TEST OF THE ENGINE FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4817N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4817N-1988-04-06), registration cancelled 1988-04-06, S/N 0088 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GRAY DRIFTER XP
- Registry model: [Gray Sammie J DRIFTER XP](https://openairdocs.org/model/gray-sammie-j-drifter-xp) (registry code 05675UC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0088
- Engines: ROTAX 503CC 48 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sammie J. Gray
- Last inspection: Annual, July 25, 1986, 1 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 110 total, 5 in this make and model, 80 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CAE, 30 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 19860809038129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860809038129A), Aug 9, 1986: Amtr DRIFTER, Orangeburg, SC, Destroyed. Power loss on takeoff nose dropped and aircraft impacted the ground.

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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