# NTSB CHI95LA036: Lessel KR-2, N95RJ, Portland, IN, November 12, 1994 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 12, 1994, 11:45 local (16:45 UTC) - Place: Portland, IN - Coordinates: 40.430774, -84.97985 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4308&lon=-84.9798&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report June 29, 1995 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 9796 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA036 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9796/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA036 ## Probable cause the failure of the elevator control cable attach point and the pilot's subsequent inability to control the airplane. ## 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 - flt control syst,elevator control cable/rod - failure (cause) - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - Fire/explosion, other ## Analysis WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE AIRPLANE TOUCH DOWN FOLLOWED BY THE APPLICATION OF POWER. THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO VEER TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY PRIOR TO LIFTING OFF. THE AIRPLANE ENTERED WHAT WAS DESCRIBED AS A 80 NOSE UP ATTITUDE AND THEN, ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE NOSE 'FELL OVER' AND THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED TO IMPACT. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED THE NOSE DOWN ELEVATOR CABLE FAILED AT THE ELEVATOR ATTACH POINT. ## Factual narrative On November 12, 1994, at 1145 eastern standard time, a KR-2 homebuilt, N95RJ, collided with the terrain following a loss of control during initial takeoff climb at the Portland Municipal Airport, Portland, Indiana. The local CFR 14 Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was destroyed and a post-impact fire ensued. The pilot was fatally injured. The local flight originated from Portland, Indiana. A witness to the accident reported that the airplane landed on runway 27. He heard the engine go to "...full power with a couple of back fires... ." He stated the airplane was veering to the south (left) side of the runway and that the engine sounded normal at this time. According to this witness, as the airplane neared the south side of the runway it rotated and began a left turn. He stated the pitch increased to about 80 degrees nose up before the nose "fell over" and the airplane descended to impact. The witness stated there was an explosion when the airplane impacted the terrain. Post accident inspection of the wreckage was conducted by a Federal Aviation Inspector along with a KR-1 mechanic/builder who was familiar with the accident pilot and N95RJ. Control continuity for the ailerons and rudder was established. It was determined that the down elevator cable attachment had failed at the elevator attach point. The mechanic's report stated, "The up elevator cable was lying in place w/ the aluminum piece melted into the bolt & cable connections - the down elevator cable & connection was found to be forward of that position about 2 ft. The bolt & (lock) nut were still intact with the nylon melted out of the nut but clean of all residue (aluminum)." A autopsy was conducted on November 12, 1994, at the request of the Jay County Coroner. Cause of death was listed a blunt force trauma to the head and fire. A toxicological examination conducted by the Civil Aviation Medical Institute stated that there were no drugs or alcohol found in the specimens examined. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N95RJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N95RJ-2012-08-14), registration cancelled 2012-08-14, S/N JL-1, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: LESSEL KR-2 - Registry model: [Lessel James L KR-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/lessel-james-l-kr-2) (registry code 05648AF) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Revmaster 2100](https://openairdocs.org/engine/revmaster-2100) (registry code 52550, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: JL-1 - Engines: Volkswagen R2100 72 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Ralph N. Smith - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: PLD - Airport: PLD, Portland Municipal, runway 27, 3,571 × 60 ft ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,200 total, 362 in this make and model, 12 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 10 knots - Visibility: 12 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 2,900 ft overcast - Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: MIE, 23 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 19941112038119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941112038119A), Nov 12, 1994: Amtr KR2, Portland, IN, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Lost control on climbout. Crashed and burned. Destroyed. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.