# NTSB ATL93LA032: Van Arsdell/Brent,M. Rutan Long EZ, N989LE, Charleston, SC, November 29, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 29, 1992, 18:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Charleston, SC
- Coordinates: 32.899749, -80.059097 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8997&lon=-80.0591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8707
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL93LA032
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8707/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA032

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT PLANNING AND HIS FAILURE TO NOTE THE RAISED ARRESTING DEVICE NEAR THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - airport facility
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not used, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKE OFF ROLL FROM A CIVIL/MILITARY JOINT USE AIRPORT, THE NOSE WHEEL OF THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE RAISED MILITARY ARRESTING CABLE. THE PILOT CONTINUED THE FLIGHT TO HIS DESTINATION. ON LANDING IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE NOSE TIRE WAS FLAT, & THE LEFT BRAKE WAS DEVOID OF FLUID. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE CHECKED ALL APPROPRIATE PUBLICATIONS. HE NOTED THAT THE APPROACH PLATE FOR RWY 33 MENTIONED THE ARRESTING GEAR & THAT IT DID NOT APPLY TO CIVILIAN PILOTS. THE AIRPORT FACILITIES DIRECTORY WAS CONSULTED WHICH STATED THAT A RAISED, MILITARY AIRCRAFT ARRESTING DEVICE WAS LOCATED 1460 FEET FROM THE RWY 33 THRESHOLD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N989LE](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N989LE), registered now, S/N 1989-LE-1, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: VAN ARSDELL/BRENT,M. RUTAN LONG EZ (RUTAN LONG)
- Registry model: [Van Arsdell Brent H RUTAN LONG EZ](https://openairdocs.org/model/van-arsdell-brent-h-rutan-long-ez) (registry code 05690X3) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1989-LE-1
- Airframe hours: 1050
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 118 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Silberman,A/Bem,Michael B.
- Registered owner: Silberman,A/Bem,Michael B.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 28, 1992, 350 hours before
- Departed: CHS
- Destination: 40N, COATESVILLE, PA
- Airport: CHS, Charleston Afb/Intl, runway 33, 9,001 × 200 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 4,000 total, 800 in this make and model, 3,700 as pilot in command, 75 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHS, 1 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 19921129049389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921129049389A), Nov 29, 1992: Amtr LONGEZ, Charleston, SC, Substantial damage. Aircraft collided with military arresting cable during takeoff roll. (.4) during the take off roll from a civil/military joint use airport, the nose wheel of…

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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