# NTSB CHI92DCG03: Daniel M. Dent BD-5 B, N583BD, Ft. Levenworth, KS, July 8, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1992, 19:30 local (Jul 8, 1992, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Ft. Levenworth, KS
- Coordinates: 39.359706, -94.909339 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3597&lon=-94.9093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15217
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92DCG03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15217/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92DCG03

## Probable cause

A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOLLOWING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND IN THE AIRCRAFT'S 'IGNITION KILL' ELECTRIC CIRCUIT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - ignition system - shorted (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - berm

## Analysis

THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AFTER LOSING ENGINE POWER DURING FINAL APPROACH TO THE LANDING RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE ENTERED THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, STARTED HIS LANDING DESCENT AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL.  ABOUT 500 FEET AGL THE ENGINE TACHOMETER LOST ABOUT 200 RPM, THEN THE ENGINE QUIT.  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE TOP OF A LEVY NEAR THE APPROACH END OF THE RUNWAY.  DURING THE ON SCENE INVESTIGATION THE WIRING FROM THE IGNITION SOURCE TO THE IGNITION KILL SWITCH WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE SHORTED TO THE DECK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, DEACTIVATING THE SINGLE IGNITION SYSTEM USED ON THIS AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N583BD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N583BD-1993-05-20), registration cancelled 1993-05-20, S/N 001 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DANIEL M. DENT BD-5 B
- Registry model: [Dent Daniel M BD-5 B](https://openairdocs.org/model/dent-daniel-m-bd-5-b) (registry code 1130865) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 001
- Airframe hours: 12
- Engines: ROTAX 583 88 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Daniel M. Dent
- Registered owner: Daniel M. Dent
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 3, 1992, 11 hours before
- Departed: FLV
- Airport: FLV, Sherman Aaf, runway 15, 5,905 × 100 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 1,510 total, 11 in this make and model, 905 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: COU, 1 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 19920707024329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920707024329A), Jul 7, 1992: Amtrbd BEDEBD5B, Fort Leavenwort, KS, Substantial damage. Engine quit on final. Struck a levee near approach end of runway. Ignition wire had grounded in engine compartment.

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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