# NTSB ATL91LA111: Rider-Charles Aerosport Scamp, N9994A, Raeford, NC, June 15, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1991, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Raeford, NC
- Coordinates: 34.97052, -79.220848 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9705&lon=-79.2208&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8419
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8419/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA111

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE ENGINE CARBURETOR, AND HIS OPERATION OF THE AIRCRAFT WITH A KNOWN POWERPLANT DEFICIENCY. FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE: THE LACK OF SPRING TENSION FOR THE FUEL MIXTURE, AND THE FOULED CONDITION OF THE ENGINE SPARK PLUGS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - mixture control - loose (contributing factor)
  - ignition system,spark plug - fouled (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,adjustment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE ESTABLISHED IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, THE ENGINE QUIT, AND THE HOME BUILT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES BEFORE IMPACTING THE GROUND IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. THE PILOT WAS FATALLY INJURED. A PILOT AT THE AIRPORT REPORTED THAT THE ACCIDENT PILOT HAD BEEN WORKING ON THE ENGINE EARLIER IN THE DAY. DURING GROUND MAINTENANCE, THE ENGINE RAN ROUGHLY AT LOW RPM, AND QUIT SEVERAL TIMES DURING TAXI. HE ALSO OBSERVED THE ENGINE QUIT ON LANDING ROLL-OUT FROM A PREVIOUS FLIGHT THAT DAY. ANOTHER WITNESS HAD SEEN BLACK SMOKE TRAILING THE AIRPLANE DURING A PREVIOUS FLIGHT, AND HAD STATED SO TO THE ACCIDENT PILOT. THE PILOT TOLD HIM THAT HE WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE CARBURETOR. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT ALL SPARK PLUGS WERE HEAVILY SOOTED, AND ONE SPARK PLUG GAP WAS COMPLETELY BRIDGED WITH SOOT DEPOSITS. REPORTEDLY, THERE WAS NO SPRING TENSION IN THE CARBURETOR MIXTURE CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9994A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9994A-2013-09-12), registration cancelled 2013-09-12, S/N CR1, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RIDER-CHARLES AEROSPORT SCAMP (AEROSPORT)
- Registry model: [Rider-Charles AEROSPORT SKAMP](https://openairdocs.org/model/rider-charles-aerosport-skamp) (registry code 0564525) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: CR1
- Engines: VOLKSWAGEN reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Herman, Judd M. & Smith, Ricky
- Registered owner: Herman, Judd M. & Smith, Ricky
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: Raeford Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 72 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 24° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAY, 16 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 19910615021889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910615021889A), Jun 15, 1991: Amtrai SCAMP, Raeford, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Prior mixture problems. On test after adjustment. Lost power. Struck powerpole. No spring on carb mixture rod.

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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