# NTSB CHI88DET06: Jones None, Elkhart, IN, September 21, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: September 21, 1988, 16:55 local (21:55 UTC)
- Place: Elkhart, IN
- Coordinates: 41.719692, -85.979232 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7197&lon=-85.9792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 16, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13904
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88DET06
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13904/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88DET06

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT DESIGN WHICH RESULTED UNACCEPTABLE AIRCRAFT TAKEOFF AND CLIMB CAPABILITY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - wire,transmission
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance,takeoff capability - undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

AIRCRAFT WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE PILOT INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TEST FLIGHT. ON FIRST ATTEMPT TO TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT GOT 12 TO 18 INCHES OFF THE GROUND. PILOT MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO AIRCRAFT AND GOT AIRBORNE ON SECOND ATTEMPT. AIRCRAFT CLIMBED TO AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 15 FEET AND STRUCK LOWER TELEPHONE CABLE ON UTILITY POLES ONE-QUARTER MILE OFF DEPARTURE END OF RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: JONES NONE
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Engines: ROTAX 532 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: John Edward Jones
- Departed: 2C9, ELKHART, IN
- Airport: 2C9, Midway, runway 9, 2,600 × 140 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 500 total, 435 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EKM, 6 nm away

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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