# NTSB ATL86LA024: Gary E. Wilson Quickie, N4974A, Paris, TN, November 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 13, 1985, 15:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Paris, TN
- Coordinates: 36.300544, -88.300682 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3005&lon=-88.3007&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7036
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7036/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA024

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD COMPLETED SEVERAL HIGH SPEED TAXI RUNS IN THE HOMEBUILT ACFT PRIOR TO THE ATTEMPTED FLT. THE ACFT CLIMBED TO ABOUT 50-100 FT AND REACHED A SPEED OF APPRX 65 MPH. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE NOR CLIMB ANY FURTHER. THE PLT ATTEMPTED A TURN BACK TO THE ARPT AND THE ACFT BEGAN TO LOSE ALTITUDE. THE PLT ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING OFF THE ARPT. THE ACFT HIT A FENCE AND CARTWHEELED. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE HAD NOT DEVELOPED FULL RPM DURING THE TAKEOFF AND THAT PART OF THE COWLING WAS NOT INSTALLED FOR THIS FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - cowl flap control - improper (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - fence
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4974A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GARY E. WILSON QUICKIE
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 363-2
- Engines: WEDTECH SP 440 38 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary E. Wilson
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, October 15, 1985, 15 hours before
- Airport: PHT, Paris-Henry County, runway 20, 5,000 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 105 total, 40 in this make and model, 100 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOP, 48 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 19851113057089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851113057089A), Nov 13, 1985: Amtrqk QUICKIE, Paris, TN, Destroyed. Struck fence after being unable to maintain altitude. Engine cowling was not on aircraft. Power loss unexplained.

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.
