# NTSB CHI05CA044: Goiden Circle T-Bird, Ft. Dodge, IA, December 4, 2004

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: December 4, 2004, 14:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Ft. Dodge, IA
- Coordinates: 42.549999, -94.183334
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5500&lon=-94.1833&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 2005
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 60801
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI05CA044
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60801/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA044

## Probable cause

The loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency descent/landing
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

An unregistered experimental ultralight, piloted by an uncertificated pilot, was destroyed on impact with terrain following a loss of engine power following takeoff from a private airstrip.  The accident aircraft had reportedly not flown for several weeks and departed with a full tank of fuel.  No anomalies were reported.

## Factual narrative

On December 4, 2004, at 1430 central standard time, an unregistered experimental ultralight Goiden Circle T-Bird, piloted by an uncertificated pilot, was destroyed on impact with terrain following a loss of engine power.  The pilot stated that the engine quit approximately 80 feet above ground level after takeoff from his private airstrip near Ft. Dodge, Iowa.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan.  The pilot reported serious injuries.  The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The ultralight was last inspected on a reported date of November 10, 2004 and was powered by a Rotax engine.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the accident aircraft had not flown for several weeks and that the fuel tank was full prior to takeoff.  No anomalies were reported.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Goiden Circle T-Bird
- Category: Ultralight
- Serial number: Unknown
- Engines: Rotax Unknown reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mark Applegate
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: PVT, Ft. Dodge, IA
- Destination: PVT, Ft. Dodge, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; flight hours: 15 total, 15 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

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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