# NTSB CHI85LA295: Robert Thibodeau JR ACE, N3642, Troy, MI, July 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1985, 10:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Troy, MI
- Location: 42.6056° N, 83.1499° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Troy, MI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6056&lon=-83.1499&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13148
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA295
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13148/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA295

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - airspeed(vlof) - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - qualification, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - remedial action - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - , pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - psychological condition, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ON JULY 17,1985 AT 1015 EDT, A ROBERT THIBODEAU JR ACE N3642, REGISTERED TO AND FLOWN BY ROBERT THIBODEAU, LOST CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN ON TAKEOFF AT TROY OAKLAND AIRPORT, TROY,MICHIGAN, WHILE ON A PERSONAL FLIGHT. VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS PREVAILED AT THE TIME AND NO FLIGHT PLAN WAS FILED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED AND THE STUDENT PILOT WAS UNINJURED. THE FLIGHT ORIGINATED AT TROY, MICHIGAN ON JULY 17,1985 AT 1013 EDT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3642](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3642), registered now, S/N 6466, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBERT THIBODEAU JR ACE
- Registry model: [Thibodeau Robert J JR ACE](https://openairdocs.org/model/thibodeau-robert-j-jr-ace) (registry code 0030537) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 6466
- Airframe hours: 1
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert Thibodeau
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 12, 1985, 1 hours before
- Departed: 7D2, TROY, MI
- Airport: 7D2, Oakland-Troy, runway 9, 3,855 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 80 total, 1 in this make and model, 10 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DET, 25 nm away

## 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 19850717071409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850717071409A), Jul 17, 1985: Amtraa JUNIORACE, Troy, MI, Substantial damage. Became airborne too soon after rapid throttle advance. Aircraft stalled during abort, hit a light, flipped over.

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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