# NTSB CHI87DEP06: Zank Challenger II, N56DZ, Redgranite, WI, June 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1987, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Redgranite, WI
- Coordinates: 44.050899, -89.100135 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0509&lon=-89.1001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13577
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87DEP06
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13577/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87DEP06

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT HAD PURCHASED THIS AMATEUR BUILT AIRCRAFT EARLIER IN THE DAY AND HAD MADE ONE SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT AND WAS ON THE DOWNWIND LEG OF THE SECOND FLIGHT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT AN ESTIMATED ALTITUDE OF 150' TO 200' AGL, WHEN WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT PITCHED NOSE DOWN APPROXIMATELY 40 DEGREES, WITH POWER REMAINING CONSTANT AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT HAS A MAXIMUM PILOT SEAT WEIGHT RESTRICTION OF 250 POUNDS. THE PILOT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE INDICATED HIS WEIGHT AT 275 POUNDS. WITNESSES INDICATED WEIGHT TO BE AT LEAST 300 POUNDS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N56DZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N56DZ-2012-02-14), registration cancelled 2012-02-14, S/N CH2 0485 B0147 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ZANK CHALLENGER II (CHALLENGER)
- Registry model: [Zank Don CHALLENGER II](https://openairdocs.org/model/zank-don-challenger-ii) (registry code 05613RG) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: CH20485BO147
- Engines: ROTAX 447 42 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Benny G. Latoria
- Registered owner: Donald A Passarelli
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Destination: DKB, DE KALB, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 60 total, 5 in this make and model, 40 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OSH, 22 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 19870604018359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870604018359A), Jun 4, 1987: Amtrqc CHALLENGER2, Redgranite, WI, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The ultralight aircraft impacted in a swamp. Suspect seat failure from overweight pilot, jammed controls.

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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