# NTSB BFO87DID03: Ham Wizard, N39583, Chesapeake, VA, May 30, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1987, 19:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Chesapeake, VA
- Coordinates: 36.749217, -76.220031 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7492&lon=-76.2200&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11266
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO87DID03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11266/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87DID03

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - exhaust system,stack - fatigue (cause)
  - exhaust system,stack - separation (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - failure,partial (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories - vibration
- Loss of engine power, cruise
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - flare - not possible

## Analysis

DRG FLT, A PORTION OF THE EXHAUST STACK BROKE OFF & STRUCK THE WOODEN PROP. APRX 1/3 OF THE PROP SEPARATED & A SEVERE VIBRATION STARTED. THE PLT SHUT DOWN THE ENG & HEADED FOR AN OPEN FIELD. DUE TO LACK OF ALTITUDE, HE WAS BARELY ABLE TO CLEAR NEARBY TREES. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT LANDED HARD & WAS FURTHER DAMAGED. AN EXAM OF THE FAILED EXHAUST STACK REVEALED EVIDENCE OF A PREVIOUS CRACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N39583](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N39583-2012-12-11), registration cancelled 2012-12-11, S/N 66001, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HAM WIZARD
- Registry model: [Ham Jimmy L WIZARD T-38BR503](https://openairdocs.org/model/ham-jimmy-l-wizard-t-38br503) (registry code 056759R) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 66001
- Engines: ROTAX UNK 48 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert Anthony Meyer
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: CHESAPEAKE, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 150 total, 10 in this make and model, 100 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,300 ft overcast
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHF, 20 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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