# NTSB CHI90DCG01: George R. Losey J6-KARATOO, N89BD, Grain Valley, MO, July 23, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1990, 19:25 local (Jul 23, 1990, 00:25 UTC)
- Place: Grain Valley, MO
- Coordinates: 38.999721, -94.19902 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9997&lon=-94.1990&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14438
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DCG01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14438/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DCG01

## Probable cause

THE PROPELLER BLADE SEPARATION DURING INITIAL CLIMB, AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - separation (cause)
  - maintenance,major alteration - improper, other person (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN DURING AN EMERGENCY DESCENT AFTER A BLADE TIP CAME OFF THE PROPELLER DURING INITIAL CLIMB. THE PILOT IN THE RIGHT SEAT STATED THAT HE ASSUMED CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AFTER THE PROPELLER FAILURE. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE STALLED DURING A TURN TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT AND DESCENDED INTO THE GROUND. THE PILOT IN THE LEFT SEAT DOES NOT REMEMBER THE ACCIDENT. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE PROPELLER HAD BEEN MODIFIED (SHORTENED) AND NEW TIPS FABRICATED AND INSTALLED BY ONE OF THE OWNERS OF THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N89BD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N89BD), registered now, S/N 1210, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GEORGE R. LOSEY J6-KARATOO
- Registry model: [Losey/Ratliff/Young J6 KARATOO](https://openairdocs.org/model/losey-ratliff-young-j6-karatoo) (registry code 05616MW) (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: 1210
- Airframe hours: 70
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pamela S. Ratliff
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 25, 1990, 70 hours before
- Airport: 3GV, East Kansas City, runway 27, 3,810 × 44 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 128 total, 21 in this make and model, 54 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GVW, 18 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 19900722027759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900722027759A), Jul 22, 1990: Amtrcy J6KARATOO, Grain Valley, MO, Substantial damage. Lost modified prop blade tip. Second pilot took over and stalled trying to return. Blade tip had been glued on.

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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