# NTSB CHI85LA115: Masselink XTC, N5272M, Hastings, MI, February 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 19, 1985, 16:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Hastings, MI
- Coordinates: 42.649463, -85.280395 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6495&lon=-85.2804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13008
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13008/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA115

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system - improper (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - mixture control,cable - incorrect
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF ON ITS MAIDEN FLT AT 600 FT AGL. THE PLT TURNED FOR HOME BUT WAS FORCED TO LAND IN TREES SHORT OF THE ARPT. INSPECTION OF THE HOME-BUILT ACFT, BUILT BY THE PLT, REVEALED THAT THE CHOKE CABLE HAD SLIPPED OUT OF POSITION WHICH CAUSED AN EXCESSIVELY RICH MIXTURE IN THE CARB THAT RESTRICTED AIRFLOW AND COMBUSTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5272M (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MASSELINK XTC
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 001
- Airframe hours: 1
- Engines: KFM EB-107 25 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Douglas J. Masselink
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: 9D9, Hasting

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 15 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 8 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19850219003909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850219003909A), Feb 19, 1985: Amtr XTC, Caledonia, MI, Substantial damage. Struck powerlines on approach. Impacted ground. Not properly endorsed for aircraft or particular flight.

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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