# NTSB CEN19LA173: Just Highlander, N324SB, Quinlan, TX, June 13, 2019 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: June 12, 2019, 19:35 local (Jun 13, 2019, 00:35 UTC) - Place: Quinlan, TX - Coordinates: 32.952499, -96.095832 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9525&lon=-96.0958&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of lift](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Flight Standards District Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 99651 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN19LA173 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/99651/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=99651 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA173 ## Probable cause The pilot's decision to depart with minimal runway available and his improper soft-field takeoff procedure, which resulted in impact with trees due to a slow airspeed and settling effect during climb out. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: climb capability](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010/cases.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 183 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061010/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: takeoff distance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: performance calculations](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010/cases.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 114 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Preflight or dispatch event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 355 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of lift](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500) (defining event); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500/sequence.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 252 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05627KQ), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot was practicing short-field takeoffs from a 3,120-ft soft, turf runway with 800 ft available; the airplane lifted off the ground with about 400 ft of runway remaining. According to the pilot, a light crosswind was present during the takeoff, but the wind may have shifted to a quartering tailwind. During initial climb, the pilot stated he attempted to accelerate briefly in ground effort and subsequently noticed the airplane was climbing poorly and the flight controls "felt sluggish." Unable to clear a line of trees about 300 ft beyond the end of the runway, the pilot pitched down to avoid stalling the airplane and impacted trees. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the airplane's weight and the ambient conditions, the manufacturer specified that a takeoff distance to clear a 50-ft obstacle was about 920 ft. With a 5 knot tailwind, the takeoff distance to clear a 50 ft obstacle was about 1,100 ft. Further, during the initial climb toward oncoming trees, with little margin for error, the pilot most likely did not adequately accelerate the airplane while in ground effect, as is needed for a soft-field takeoff. Instead, the pilot most likely attempted to climb at a slow speed, which resulted in a settling effect and the inability to clear trees near the departure end of the runway. ## Factual narrative ***This factual report was modified on October 22, 2020. Please see the docket for the original report.*** On June 13, 2019, about 1935 central daylight time, an amateur-built Just Aircraft Highlander airplane, N324SB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Rockin M Airport (T14), Quinlan, Texas. The pilot suffered minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot was practicing short-field takeoffs that included use of soft-field takeoff procedures to clear a 50 ft obstacle at T14. The airport owner marked a starting position about 800 ft from the end of the 3,120 ft runway and a line of trees was located about 300 ft beyond the end of the runway. From the marked starting position on the runway, the pilot performed three solo takeoffs with a ground roll of about 200 ft. After the practice takeoffs, the pilot returned to load the passenger and they lifted off with a ground roll of about 400 ft. During the soft-field takeoff procedure, the pilot stated he attempted to accelerate briefly in ground effect before climbing out. He noticed the airplane was performing poorly and the flight controls "felt sluggish." Unable to clear trees off the end of the runway without potentially stalling the airplane, the pilot elected to pitch the nose down and then impacted into shorter trees, damaging the right wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine test runs revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated the airplane's weight was about 60 lbs less than maximum gross and that a light crosswind was present that may have shifted to a light quartering tailwind. Manufacturer specifications predicted takeoff distance to clear a 50 ft obstacle as 800 ft. The pilot operating handbook recommended increasing takeoff distance by 10% for each 1,000 ft that field elevation was above sea level, 10% for each 18°F that temperature was above 60°F, and 20% for each 5 knots of tailwind. Based on the ambient conditions at the time of the accident, predicted takeoff distance to clear a 50 ft obstacle was about 920 ft without any tailwind and about 1,100 ft with 5 knots of tailwind. The Federal Aviation Administration Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-38) contains the following information for a soft-field takeoff: After the airplane becomes airborne, the pilot should gently lower the nose with the wheels clear of the surface to allow the airplane to accelerate to Vy, or Vx if obstacles must be cleared. … An attempt to climb prematurely or too steeply may cause the airplane to settle back to the surface as a result of the loss of ground effect. … During the transition out of the ground effect area, the pilot should not attempt to climb out of ground effect before reaching the sufficient climb airspeed, as this may result in the airplane being unable to climbfurther, even with full power applied. Therefore, it is essential that the airplane remain in ground effect until at least Vx is reached. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N324SB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N324SB-2020-11-06), registration cancelled 2020-11-06, S/N JAESC0158, built 2008 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: JUST AIRCRAFT HIGHLANDER - Registry model: [Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER](https://openairdocs.org/model/bryner-sheldon-e-just-acft-highlander) (registry code 05627KQ) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 912ULS series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-912uls-series) (registry code 55572, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: JAESC0158 - Year built: 2008 - Airframe hours: 567 - Engines: Rotax 912ULS 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, February 21, 2019 - Departed: T14, Quinlan, TX - Destination: T14, Quinlan, TX - Airport: T14, Rockin M, runway 36, 3,120 × 60 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 32; injuries: minor; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land, multi-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 17, 2018; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 10,921 total, 19 in this make and model, 10,045 as pilot in command, 299 in the last 90 days, 127 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 100° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: KTRL, 17 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 20190613011209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190613011209A), Jun 13, 2019: Bryner Sheldon E JUST ACFT HIGHLANDER, Quinlan, TX, Substantial damage. On June 13, 2019, at approximately 1930 central daylight time, an amateur-built just aircraft highlander, N324SB, impacted the terrain during initial climb… ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 22, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=99651. 1.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 612 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484658&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Photo of Airplane at Accident Site (item 2, .PDF, 240 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484659&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20of%20Airplane%20at%20Accident%20Site-Master.PDF - Engine Exam Information (item 3, .PDF, 200 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484660&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Exam%20Information-Master.PDF - Highlander Manufacturer Specifications (item 4, .PDF, 194 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484661&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Highlander%20Manufacturer%20Specifications-Master.PDF - Highlander Pilot Operating Handbook - Excerpt (item 5, .PDF, 97 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484662&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Highlander%20Pilot%20Operating%20Handbook%20-%20Excerpt-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.