# NTSB ATL97LA111: Avid IV, N913R, Memphis, TN, July 21, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1997, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Memphis, TN
- Coordinates: 35.030799, -90.009971 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0308&lon=-90.0100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3882
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3882/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA111

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff.  A factor in the accident was the repositioning of the control stick.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff
  - flight controls - not understood, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - object - fence

## Analysis

The pilot of the homebuilt stated that he had just completed an adjustment to the elevator pushrod to reposition the control stick. During takeoff, at about 55 miles per hour the airplane lifted off due to the new stick position and he lost control. The airplane veered right and impacted a fence off the side of the runway.

## Factual narrative

On July 21, 1997, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Homebuilt Avid Mark IV, N913R, collided with a fence shortly after takeoff at the General Spain Airport, Memphis, Tennessee.  The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules.  Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight.  The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged.

The pilot stated to the FAA, that he had made some adjustments to the elevator pushrod to adjust the position of the control stick.  During takeoff, at about 55 miles per hour the airplane lifted off due to the new stick position and he lost control. The airplane veered right and impacted a fence off the side of the runway.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N913R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N913R-2017-07-12), registration cancelled 2017-07-12, S/N 1390D, built 1997 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Avid Aircraft IV
- Registry model: [Hosey James W AVID MARK IV](https://openairdocs.org/model/hosey-james-w-avid-mark-iv) (registry code 05625AC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1390D
- Airframe hours: 12
- Engines: Unknown reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arthur D. Mcmurtry
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, May 14, 1997, 12 hours before
- Departed: M01
- Airport: M01, General Spain, runway 16, 3,800 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 75; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 12 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 19970721046909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970721046909A), Jul 21, 1997: Amtr AVIDMARKIV, Memphis, TN, No damage. (-23) Aircraft control was lost on takeoff, resulting in departure from runway, crossing of drainage ditch, striking a chainlink fence and coming to rest after…

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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