# NTSB CHI90DEX02: Johnson Quickie 299, N42LQ, Delphi, IN, August 26, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 25, 1990, 19:00 local (Aug 26, 1990, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Delphi, IN
- Coordinates: 40.579269, -86.67015 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5793&lon=-86.6702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14506
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DEX02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14506/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEX02

## Probable cause

PILOT/MECHANIC'S IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE RUDDER CABLE TURNBUCKLES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff
  - flt control syst,rudder control cable/rod - disconnected
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRPLANE TENDED TO ROLL INVERTED. WITH AN INCREASE IN AIRSPEED, THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE ROLL TENDENCY, BUT STATED A HEAVY RIGHT YAW EXISTED. APRX 3/4 OF A MILE FROM THE AIRPORT, THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH, SO THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT. A GO-AROUND WAS MADE DURING THE FIRST APPROACH DUE TO EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED. THE PILOT SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE ON SHORT FINAL OF THE SECOND APPROACH. ON TOUCHDOWN, THE AIRPLANE TRAVELED (BOUNCING) OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY INTO THE GRASS AND CORN CROP. POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE RIGHT RUDDER CABLE WAS DISCONNECTED AT THE MODIFIED TURNBUCKLE INSTALLATION. THE PILOT, ALSO THE MECHANIC, REPORTED THE COTTER PIN WAS LEFT OUT ALLOWING THE BOLT AND NUT CONNECTOR TO BACK OUT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N42LQ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N42LQ-1991-05-02), registration cancelled 1991-05-02, S/N 299 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: JOHNSON QUICKIE 299 (QUICKIE 29)
- Registry model: [Johnson Lonnie D QUICKIE](https://openairdocs.org/model/johnson-lonnie-d-quickie) (registry code 05645HK) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 299
- Airframe hours: 77
- Engines: unknown JLO 40 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bruce Carl Thompson
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 25, 1990
- Departed: 1L9, DELPHI, IN
- Airport: IL9, Delphi Muni, runway 18, 2,891 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 933 total, 4 in this make and model, 847 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAF, 14 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 19900825037089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900825037089A), Aug 25, 1990: Amtrqk QUICKIE, Delphi, IN, Substantial damage. Uncontrolled turn to right on climbout. Lost control on landing, veered off runway. Rudder disconnected. Not secured.

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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