# NTSB ATL92LA110: Wicks Bobcat, N9CK, White House, TN, May 31, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1992, 12:52 local (17:52 UTC)
- Place: White House, TN
- Coordinates: 36.459823, -86.659828 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4598&lon=-86.6598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 29, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8606
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA110
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8606/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA110

## Probable cause

THE PILOT/OWNER'S IMPROPER DESIGN CHANGE OF THE WING SPAR WHICH RESULTED IN THE OVERLOAD FAILURE OF THE LEFT WING. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT/OWNER'S FAILURE TO PERFORM A PERIODIC INSPECTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach
  - wing,spar - separation (cause)
  - wing,spar - overload (cause)
  - wing,spar - improper (cause)
  - maintenance,design change - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT/OWNER HAD COMPLETED THE ASSEMBLY OF HIS HOME BUILT AIRPLANE AND HAD CONFIRMED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS AIRWORTHY, BEFORE TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF. A WITNESS AT THE SOD AIRSTRIP OBSERVED THE PILOT'S TAKEOFF AND CLIMB TO ABOUT 500 FEET. THE PILOT MADE SHALLOW TURNS AND RETURNED BACK OVER THE AIRSTRIP, AND  WAS LAST SEEN FLYING IN A WINGS LEVEL ATTITUDE WEST OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE WITNESS REPORTED HEARING A CRACKING SOUND AND THEN SAW THE LEFT WING AND LEFT DOOR SEPARATE FROM THE AIRFRAME. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED IN AN ADJACENT FIELD ABOUT 300 YARDS FROM THE SOD AIRSTRIP. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRFRAME AND FRACTURES FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MATERIAL FAILURE. HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING PLANS, THE SPAR TONGUE WHICH ATTACHES THE WING TO THE AIRFRAME, WAS NOT PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED WITH A PLYWOOD PLATE ON THE AFT SIDE OF THE TONGUE. THE EXAMINATION FURTHER CONFIRMED THAT THE WING FITTINGS AND BOLTS WERE SECURE. A REVIEW OF THE AIRFRAME MAINTENANCE LOG FAILED TO DISCLOSE A CURRENT PERIODIC INSPECTION. THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'S

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9CK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9CK-2013-09-24), registration cancelled 2013-09-24, S/N 476 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WICKS BOBCAT
- Registry model: [Kay Craig A. BOBCAT](https://openairdocs.org/model/kay-craig-a-bobcat) (registry code 05616QH) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 467
- Airframe hours: 112
- Engines: ROTAX 503 48 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kay, Craig
- Registered owner: Kay, Craig
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: PVT, Private

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 110 total, 110 in this make and model, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 12 knots, gusting 19
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BNA, 35 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 19920531017079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920531017079A), May 31, 1992: Amtr BOBCAT1, White House, TN, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Left wing spar failed at wing root. Spar not reinforced per kit builder mod. Had been converted to super bobcat.

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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