# NTSB CHI05CA134: Temco GC-1B, N3875K, Morris, IL, May 25, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: May 25, 2005, 13:45 local (18:45 UTC) - Place: Morris, IL - Coordinates: 41.425556, -88.418609 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4256&lon=-88.4186&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 13, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA-DuPage FSDO - ADs cited in the narratives: [AD 87-20-03 R2](https://openairdocs.org/ad/87-20-03-R2) (OpenAirDocs) - NTSB case key (mKey): 61733 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI05CA134 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/61733/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05CA134 ## Probable cause Malfunction of the pilot seat positioning mechanism for undetermined reasons resulting in a loss of aircraft control. The runway light struck when the airplane departed the pavement was a contributing factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run - reason for occurrence undetermined - fuselage,seat - malfunction (cause) - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - runway light (contributing factor) - terrain condition - ground - Main gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run ## Analysis The airplane sustained substantial damage during takeoff roll when the pilot's seat moved aft causing a loss of control. The pilot reported that he executed several full stop landings prior to the accident. He stated that during the accident takeoff, approximately 55 miles-per-hour (mph), the pilot seat slid "all the way back on [the] seat rail." He reported that he was restrained by the seat belt and shoulder harness and unable to reach the flight or engine controls. The pilot reported the airplane yawed to the left, departing the runway pavement and striking a runway light. He stated the airplane subsequently came back onto the runway before a side load on the main landing gear caused it to collapse. A post-accident inspection of the seat tracks and seat locking components revealed no anomalies. The seat tracks did not appear worn or distorted. The pilot seat locked properly in each position when operated after the accident. ## Factual narrative On May 25, 2005, about 1345 central daylight time, a Temco GC-1B, N3875K, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during takeoff roll when the pilot's seat moved aft causing the pilot to lose of control. The airplane was departing from runway 36 (4,001 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at Morris Municipal Airport (C09), Morris, Illinois, at the time. The local personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported no injuries. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he departed Joliet Regional Airport (JOT), Joliet, Illinois, and executed several full stop landings there prior to leaving the traffic pattern for C09. He landed at C09 and taxied back for takeoff. He stated that during the takeoff roll, approximately 55 miles-per-hour (mph), the pilot seat slid "all the way back on [the] seat rail." He reported that he was restrained by the seat belt and shoulder harness and unable to reach the flight or engine controls. The pilot reported the airplane yawed to the left, departing the runway pavement and striking a runway light. He stated the airplane subsequently came back onto the runway before a side load on the main landing gear caused it to collapse. A post-accident inspection of the seat tracks and seat locking components revealed no anomalies. The seat tracks did not appear worn or distorted. The pilot seat locked properly in each position when operated after the accident. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records indicated that the original seats and seat tracks were replaced with Cessna 150 components in August 1988. A Major Repair and Alteration statement (FAA Form 337) detailing the alteration was on file with the FAA. FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 87-20-03 R2, applicable to Cessna 150 series aircraft, became effective on September 24, 1990. The AD required inspection of the seat tracks and seat locking mechanism components. Worn components and assemblies were required to be replaced. Although the AD addressed issues with the same seat components installed on the accident airplane, because the AD was issued against the Cessna 150 series aircraft it was not applicable to the Temco GC-1B accident aircraft. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3875K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3875K), registered now, S/N 3575, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Temco GC-1B - Registry model: [Temco GC-1B](https://openairdocs.org/model/temco-gc-1b) (registry code 9230108) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental C125 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c125-series) (registry code 17011, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 3575 - Engines: Lycoming IO-360-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 2005 - Departed: C09, Morris, IL - Destination: JOT, Joliet, IL - Airport: C09, Morris Municipal, runway 36, 4,001 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 53; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 444 total, 275 in this make and model, 342 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 140° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 30.03 inHg - Observed at: C09 ## 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 20050525024189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050525024189A), May 25, 2005: Swftms GC1B, Morris, IL, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot attempted to take off on runway 36 at Morris, IL (C09) airport. Aircraft started to rotate for take off at approximately 50 mph. Pilot claims he… 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.