# NTSB CHI04CA291: Johnson Titan Tornado I, Carlton, MN, September 25, 2004

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 25, 2004, 16:31 local (21:31 UTC)
- Place: Carlton, MN
- Coordinates: 46.648334, -92.471107
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.6483&lon=-92.4711&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 28, 2004
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - Minneapolis FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 60409
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI04CA291
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60409/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04CA291

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff.  Factors to the accident included the diminished takeoff performance due to the incorrect propeller pitch setting and the tree that the airplane impacted.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - propeller - improper, owner/pilot mechanic (contributing factor)
  - climb - diminished (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The homebuilt airplane impacted trees during its maiden takeoff from a private airstrip.  The pilot reported that the airplane "did not lift-off as expected" and it "bounced into air" after a 600 foot long ground roll.  The pilot stated that the airplane "climbed out slowly" and impacted the top of a 40 foot high tree with a wingtip.  The pilot reported the airplane came to rest nose-down, hanging from the tree.  The pilot believes he incorrectly set the pitch of the propeller during construction, which resulted in a reduced engine power output.  The airplane had not been issued a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness or registration certificate.  The pilot reported his last medical certificate was issued during 1964.  The pilot stated his total flight experience was about 65 hours.

## Factual narrative

On September 25, 2004, at 1631 central daylight time, an unregistered Titan Tornado I, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during takeoff from a private airstrip near Carlton, Minnesota.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  The flight test was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan.  The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the accident flight was the maiden flight for the homebuilt airplane.  The pilot reported that the airplane "did not lift-off as expected" and it "bounced into air" after a 600 foot long ground roll.  The pilot stated that the airplane "climbed out slowly" and impacted the top of a 40 foot high tree with a wingtip.  The pilot reported the airplane came to rest nose-down, hanging from the tree.

The pilot believes he incorrectly set the pitch of the propeller during construction, which resulted in a reduced engine power output.

The airplane had not been issued a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness or registration certificate.

The pilot reported his last medical certificate was issued during 1964.  The pilot stated his total flight experience was about 65 hours.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Johnson Titan Tornado I
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: MG01503S0HK0402
- Airframe hours: 0
- Engines: Motori Zanzoterra M2-301 92 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Flight test, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: PVT, Carlton, MN
- Destination: PVT, Carlton, MN
- Airport: PVT, Private Airstrip, runway 27, 600 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, expired; seat: center; flight hours: 65 total, 0 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.20 inHg
- Observed at: COQ

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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