# NTSB CHI91LA277: Classic YMF5, N64JE, Hart, MI, August 29, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 28, 1991, 21:30 local (Aug 29, 1991, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Hart, MI
- Coordinates: 43.69012, -86.359832 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.6901&lon=-86.3598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15171
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA277
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15171/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA277

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING A TAKEOFF GROUND RUN.

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY DURING A TAKEOFF GROUND RUN.  THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER IN SHRUBS AND TALL GRASS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N64JE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N64JE-2013-06-07), registration cancelled 2013-06-07, S/N F5-022, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Classic Aircraft Corp. YMF5
- Registry model: [Classic WACO YMF](https://openairdocs.org/model/classic-waco-ymf) (registry code 2240101) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Jacobs R755B series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/jacobs-r755b-series) (registry code 35007, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: F5-022
- Engines: JACOBS 275 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Solton
- Destination: 4D0, GRAND LEDGE, MI
- Airport: CO4, Oceana Co., runway 26, 2,020 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,378 total, 88 in this make and model, 1,995 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 120° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: MKG, 26 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 19910828039849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910828039849A), Aug 28, 1991: Waco YMF, Hart/Shelby, MI, Substantial damage. Drifted left during takeoff roll and rotation. Aborted and nosed over in shrubs and tall grass.

## Other investigations on N64JE (2)

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.

- [NTSB ERA12LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA126), Dec 26, 2011: Classic Waco YMF5 (N64JE), Marathon, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot did not ensure that there was sufficient fuel aboard the airplane before initiating the flight, which resulted in temporary fuel starvation and an interruption in engine power during…
- [NTSB MIA04CA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA04CA034), Dec 17, 2003: Waco 4MF 5 (N64JE), Marathon, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's loss of directional control during landing rollout in a crosswind resulting in the airplane ground looping and incurring damage to the left wing.

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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