# NTSB ATL94LA050: Argo Minimax, Franklin, TN, February 18, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 18, 1994, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Franklin, TN
- Coordinates: 35.8805, -86.950149 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8805&lon=-86.9501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3347
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL94LA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3347/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94LA050

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SECURE CARGO IN THE COCKPIT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - flight control system - jammed (cause)
  - flight control system - foreign object
  - security of cargo - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE STUDENT PILOT, WHILE MANEUVERING, THE FLIGHT CONTROLS JAMMED AND LIMITED FLIGHT CONTROLLABILITY. A VISUAL CHECK OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM BY THE STUDENT PILOT,  FROM THE COCKPIT, FAILED TO REVEAL AN AIRPLANE PROBLEM. HE ESTABLISHED AN EMERGENCY GLIDE AND ONCE THE AIRPLANE WAS OVER A CLEAR AREA THE STUDENT PILOT DEPLOYED THE ONBOARD RECOVERY PARACHUTE.  THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, HE PLACED A SPARE RADIO BATTERY ON THE FLOORBOARD OF THE COCKPIT AND BELIEVED THAT THE BATTERY PACK JAMMED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS.

## Factual narrative

On February 18, 1994, at 1000 central standard time, an unregistered Argo Minimax, experimental airplane, collided with the ground, after the pilot experienced a reported flight control problem, near Franklin, Tennessee. The personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the non-rated pilot received serious injuries. The flight departed Spring Hill, Tennessee, at 0815 hours.

According to the student pilot, while maneuvering, the flight controls jammed, and the controllability of the airplane became limited. A visual check of the exposed flight control surfaces and cables failed to reveal a mechanical problem. The pilot selected a field and established an emergency descent. Once the airplane was within the landing area, the pilot deployed the recovery parachute. The airplane descended to the ground in a nose low attitude.  According to the student pilot, prior to his takeoff,  he placed a communication radio battery on the floor of the airplane; the pilot believed that the battery pack jammed the flight control.

According to the pilot, the aircraft originally was configured for one five gallon fuel tank. He modified the airframe for the installation of two five gallons tanks, one in each wing assembly. A review of 14 CFR Part 103 disclosed that ultralight vehicles are limited to a total of five gallons of fuel capacity.

## Aircraft

- Registration: NONE (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ARGO MINIMAX
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Airframe hours: 82
- Engines: ROTAX 447 40 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Argo, Michael L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 140 total, 80 in this make and model, 60 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BNA, 30 nm away

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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