# NTSB ATL86LA094: Shaffer KR-2, N455JS, Mobile, AL, March 15, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 15, 1986, 14:50 local (20:50 UTC)
- Place: Mobile, AL
- Coordinates: 30.73904, -88.069572 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.7390&lon=-88.0696&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7075
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA094
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7075/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA094

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - door,interior crew - open (cause)
  - maintenance,modification - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING CRUISE FLIGHT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE COCKPIT CANOPY WHICH INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED. THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A SPIN AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AN EXPERIMENTAL HOMEBUILT WHICH WAS ASSEMBLED BY THE PILOT. THE CANOPY LATCH WAS A MODIFICATION TO THE ORIGINAL PLANS WHICH WAS DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED BY THE PILOT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N455JS](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N455JS), registered now, S/N 8009, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SHAFFER KR-2
- Registry model: [Shaffer John Thomas KR-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/shaffer-john-thomas-kr-2) (registry code 05648RE) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 8009
- Airframe hours: 175
- Engines: Volkswagen 1835 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John T. Shaffer
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 14, 1986, 5 hours before
- Departed: 3R5, NEW BRAUNSFELS, TX
- Destination: MOB, MOBILE, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 339 total, 176 in this make and model, 296 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MOB, 3 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 19860315044269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860315044269A), Mar 15, 1986: Amtr KR2, Mobile, AL, Substantial damage. Canopy came open at cruise. Entered a flat spin while trying to hold the canopy. Struck trees and ground.

## Other investigations on N455JS (2)

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.

- [NTSB ERA26LA347](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA347), Sep 20, 2026: Shaffer John Thomas KR-2 (N455JS), Westminster, OH, substantial damage, investigation ongoing
- [NTSB CHI08CA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA088), Feb 24, 2008: Shaffer KR-2 (N455JS), Fremont, OH, substantial damage. Probable cause: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during takeoff.

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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