# NTSB ERA09CA040: Fox Jack G Mong Biwin, N318CF, Thomasville, NC, November 2, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: November 1, 2008, 21:35 local (Nov 2, 2008, 02:35 UTC) - Place: Thomasville, NC - Coordinates: 35.830276, -80.107498 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8303&lon=-80.1075&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 24, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 69411 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA09CA040 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69411/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA040 ## Probable cause The builder’s failure to set adequate propeller pitch during propeller installation. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Maintenance: installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Owner/builder (probable cause); cases with it: [Fox Jack G MONG BIWING, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md?model=05626OQ), [All aircraft, 371 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md) - [Propeller system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01046100): Aircraft › Aircraft propeller/rotor · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Fox Jack G MONG BIWING, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01046100/cases.md?model=05626OQ), [All aircraft, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01046100/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340) (defining event); cases with it: [Fox Jack G MONG BIWING, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md?model=05626OQ), [All aircraft, 820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/340/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot was making the first of a series of test flights for the new airplane. After engine run-ups and a high speed taxi run, the first takeoff was attempted. The airplane became airborne after a takeoff roll of 1,000 feet. At 30 feet AGL, the airplane would not climb higher or accelerate above 50 knots. Insufficient runway remained to land and the airplane impacted trees in a fully-stalled condition. The pilot reported there was no mechanical malfunction and the ground adjustable propeller was not set to allow the airplane to accelerate. ## Factual narrative The pilot was making the first of a series of test flights for the new airplane. After engine run-ups and a high speed taxi run, the first takeoff was attempted. The airplane became airborne after a takeoff roll of 1,000 feet. At 30 feet AGL, the airplane would not climb higher or accelerate above 50 knots. Insufficient runway remained to land and the airplane impacted trees in a fully-stalled condition. The pilot reported there was no mechanical malfunction and the ground adjustable propeller was not set to allow the airplane to accelerate. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N318CF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N318CF-2018-01-03), registration cancelled 2018-01-03, S/N JGF 813, built 2008 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: FOX JACK G MONG BIWIN - Registry model: [Fox Jack G MONG BIWING](https://openairdocs.org/model/fox-jack-g-mong-biwing) (registry code 05626OQ) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 447](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-447) (registry code 55576, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: JGF 813 - Engines: ROTAX 447 40 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Flight test, Part 91 - Operator: Thayer Terry W - Registered owner: Thayer Terry W - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special) - Last inspection: Unknown, June 21, 2008 - Departed: N97, Thomasville, NC - Destination: N97, Thomasville, NC - Airport: N97, Hiatt Airport, runway 01, 2,500 × 75 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 74; injuries: minor; airline transport, commercial, sport pilot; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: sport pilot, unknown; last flight review May 16, 2008; seat: single; flight hours: 21,000 total, 1 in this make and model, 12,800 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F ## 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 20081101850329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081101850329A), Nov 1, 2008: Foxjac MONGBIWING, Thomasville, NC, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft was taxied up and down the runway several time as the pilot became familiar with the aircraft and controls. Wind was calm. Full power run up… 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.