# NTSB CHI97LA230: Jenkins RV-6, N126JM, Middleton, WI, July 28, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 28, 1997, 14:44 local (19:44 UTC)
- Place: Middleton, WI
- Coordinates: 43.100528, -89.499588 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.1005&lon=-89.4996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 7, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10646
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA230
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10646/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA230

## Probable cause

the pilot was too low on final approach and hit the high vegetation.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - altitude - low, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he 'misjudged the height of trees at landing end of runway 30.' The pilot got low on the final approach and hit a tall bush.  The airplane flipped over into a ditch.  The pilot reported that nothing was wrong with the aircraft and the engine was running properly.

## Factual narrative

On July 28, 1997, at 1444 central daylight time, an experimental Jenkins RV-6, N126JM, was destroyed just short of runway 30 at Morey Field, Middleton, Wisconsin.  While on short final, the airplane hit a 10 foot bush and flipped over into a ditch.  The private pilot and one passenger received minor injuries.  The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had departed Fort Dodge, Iowa, en route to Middleton, Wisconsin.  Visual meteorological condition prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot reported that he "misjudged the height of trees at landing end of runway 30." The pilot got low on the final approach and hit a tall bush.  The airplane flipped over into a ditch.  The pilot reported that nothing was wrong with the aircraft and the engine was running properly.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N126JM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N126JM-1997-11-01), registration cancelled 1997-11-01, S/N 23408 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Jenkins RV-6
- Registry model: [Jenkins Howard M RV-6A](https://openairdocs.org/model/jenkins-howard-m-rv-6a) (registry code 05602W2) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 23408
- Airframe hours: 74
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Howard M. Jenkins
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 23, 1997, 11 hours before
- Departed: FOD, FORT DODGE, IA
- Destination: C29
- Airport: C29, Morey Field, runway 30

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 544 total, 93 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSN, 8 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 19970728019879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970728019879A), Jul 28, 1997: Amtr RV6A, Middleton, WI, Destroyed. Aircraft came in low and slow on approach, struck a bush, flipped over landed in a ditch. (-23) on July 28, 1997, at 1444 CST a vans RV6-A, N126JM, on final…

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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