# NTSB CHI08CA229: Prendergast RV-7A, N5025G, Manchester, MI, August 1, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: August 1, 2008, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Manchester, MI - Coordinates: 42.194999, -84.03083 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1950&lon=-84.0308&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 28, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Detroit, MI, FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 68733 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI08CA229 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68733/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08CA229 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate flare during landing. Contributing to the accident was the uneven terrain. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Airport facilities/design: runway/landing area condition](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03017035): Environmental issues › Operating environment · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Prendergast John/Vans RV-7A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03017035/cases.md?model=0561984), [All aircraft, 61 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03017035/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: landing flare](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Prendergast John/Vans RV-7A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041/cases.md?model=0561984), [All aircraft, 1,285 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-landing roll: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) (defining event); cases with it: [Prendergast John/Vans RV-7A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=0561984), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Prendergast John/Vans RV-7A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0561984), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that during the landing he let the "nose come down and used brakes which caused the low clearance gear leg to dig in and begin bending." The airplane's propeller and wing subsequently contacted the "undulating" grass strip. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight. The pilot's safety recommendation was to replace the accident gear leg with the "new revision ... from Vans [aircraft] which has greater ground clearance." ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that during landing he let the "nose come down and used brakes which caused the low clearance gear leg to dig in and begin bending." The airplane's propeller and wing subsequently contacted the "undulating" grass strip. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight. The pilot's safety recommendation was to replace the accident gear leg with the "new revision ... from Vans [aircraft] which has greater ground clearance." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5025G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5025G-2019-01-18), registration cancelled 2019-01-18, S/N 71591, built 2006 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Prendergast RV-7A - Registry model: [Prendergast John/Vans RV-7A](https://openairdocs.org/model/prendergast-john-vans-rv-7a) (registry code 0561984) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Mazda 13B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/mazda-13b) (registry code 43200, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 71591 - Airframe hours: 154 - Engines: Mazda Rotary 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: John Prendergast - Registered owner: Airnav Corp - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, March 1, 2008 - Departed: OSH, OSHKOSH, WI - Destination: 75G, Manchester, MI ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 2,500 total, 160 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day ## 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 20080801843539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080801843539A), Aug 1, 2008: Amtr RV7A, Manchester, MI, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot planned a fuel stop at this airport (75G-rossettie, Manchester) due to the availability of 87 no-lead grade fuel. As stated by PIC, the approach… ## Other investigations on N5025G (1) 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. - [NTSB ERA12LA293](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA293), Apr 16, 2012: Prendergast John/Vans RV-7A (N5025G), Gerrardstown, WV, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot/builder's misjudgment of the required spacer width needed after engine housing lap grinding, which resulted in bearing oil hole misalignment and insufficient internal engine lubrication. 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.