# NTSB ERA11LA454: Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40, N316MA, Hodgenville, KY, August 15, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 15, 2011, 15:35 local (19:35 UTC) - Place: Hodgenville, KY - Coordinates: 37.544998, -85.733055 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5450&lon=-85.7331&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 3 serious - Status: Completed, report September 13, 2012 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 81502 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA11LA454 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/81502/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81502 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA454 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate takeoff performance planning, which resulted in collision with an obstacle during takeoff from a turf runway that was not long enough for the given conditions. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Planning/preparation: performance calculations](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010/cases.md?model=2990002), [All aircraft, 114 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: takeoff distance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md?model=2990002), [All aircraft, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=2990002), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2990002), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot initiated takeoff from an upsloping, 1,133-foot-long grass airstrip with two passengers onboard. The airplane struck 40-foot tall trees located 1,150 feet from the point where the takeoff ground roll was initiated. Subsequently, the airplane struck three power lines and impacted the ground. According to information from the closest airport with a weather recording system, the wind was most likely a headwind at the time of the accident. Calculations based on the performance data in the airplane’s flight manual indicated that a takeoff distance of about 1,570 feet was required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. A postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 15, 2011, about 1535 eastern daylight time, a Diamond DA 40, N316MA, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree, powerlines, and the ground shortly after departure from an open field near Hodgenville, Kentucky. The certificated Airline Transport pilot (ATP) and two passengers were seriously injured. The airplane was registered to Honaker Aviation and the personal flight was operated under the provision of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight destined for the Cambridge Municipal Airport (CDI), Cambridge, Ohio. According to several eyewitnesses, the airplane impacted a powerline, turned approximately 90 degrees, and impacted the ground in a nose down attitude. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot, age 31, held an ATP with a rating for airplane multiengine land. He also held a commercial pilot certificate, with a rating for airplane single-engine land, a certificated flight instructor certificate, and a first-class medical certificate issued May of 2011. According to the operator, the pilot had 4,335 total flight hours, of which 405 flight hours were in single-engine airplanes. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The four seat, low wing, fixed-gear airplane was manufactured in 2003. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-360-M1A, 180 horsepower engine, and equipped with a Hartzell propeller. The airplane had an annual inspection on July 1, 2011 and at that time had a reported 2,756 total hours. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The 1555 recorded weather observation at Godman Army Airfield (FTK), Fort Knox, Kentucky, located 25 nautical miles to the northwest of the accident location, included wind from 260 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 6,000 feet above ground level, temperature 26 degrees C, dew point 18 degrees C; barometric altimeter 29.96 inches of mercury. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the grass strip was 1,133 feet in length, oriented east and west, and had an approximate 2 percent upslope. The departure end of the grass strip had approximately 40-foot tall trees located about 40 feet from the departure end of the runway. There were also three powerlines similar in height to the surrounding trees, located 150 feet from the departure end of the runway. The airplane's left wing impacted a tree branch 1,150 feet from where the takeoff initiated. Approximately 3 feet of the left wing was located in a tree, 21 feet from the initial impact point. The airplane came to rest 1,386 feet from the approximate location where the takeoff roll had initiated and was facing back opposite the direction of travel. Marks indicated that the powerlines contacted the propeller, underside of the left wing, and the right side of the horizontal stabilizer. The right horizontal stabilizer tip was embedded in the upper section of the right wing root. Bothleft and right fuel tanks had been breached; however, there were indications of fuel on the ground around the accident location and both fuel tanks had a blue substance similar to 100LL aviation fuel present. The cockpit fuel selector valve indicated that the right fuel tank was selected. According to fuel records, the airplane was fueled with 31.2 gallons of aviation fuel on the day of the accident. On September 9, 2011 an examination of the airplane was conducted with inspectors from the FAA and a representative from the airplane manufacturer. Flight control continuity was confirmed to all flight control surfaces and the flap position was in the takeoff position. The engine was examined and all spark plugs were removed. The spark plugs appeared to be in good condition and the No. 3 spark plug lead was impact damaged. The magnetos were removed, tested, and both produced spark with no anomalies noted. The fuel distributor was removed and opened, no scoring or abnormalities were noted and the diaphragm appeared to be in good condition. The fuel supply line to the fuel servo was removed and a blue fluid consistent with 100LL aviation fuel was present. The fuel servo supply screen was free of debris. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A global positioning system (GPS) unit and an engine monitoring system were located in the wreckage; however, neither device recorded data for the accident flight. The Diamond DA40 Airplane Flight Manual, Chapter 5 "Performance" includes, in part, the following notes "For take-off from dry, short-cut grass covered runways, the following corrections must be taken into account…. Grass up to 5 cm (2 in) long: 10% increase in take-off roll….An uphill slope of 2%...results in an increase in the take-off distance of approximately 10%. The effect on the take-off roll can be greater." The chapter also includes a caution note which states in part "…In any case the pilot must allow for the condition of the runway to ensure a safe take-off." According to calculations derived from the aircraft weight of 2,360 pounds and weather conditions at the time of the accident, the total ground roll required was 1,065 feet and the total take-off distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle was 1,570 feet. At the time of this writing the pilot's medical condition precluded an interview or having him provide a written statement. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N316MA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N316MA-2012-03-19), registration cancelled 2012-03-19, S/N 40.287, built 2003 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40 - Registry model: [Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40](https://openairdocs.org/model/diamond-aircraft-ind-da-40) (registry code 2990002) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 40.287 - Airframe hours: 3421 - Engines: LYCOMING IO 360 M1A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Honaker Aviation Inc - Registered owner: Honaker Aviation Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2011, 664 hours before - Departed: Hodgenville, KY - Destination: CDI, Cambridge, OH - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: NONE, Private Strip ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 31; injuries: serious; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1; last flight review May 1, 2011; seat: left; flight hours: 4,355 total, 3,454 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 260° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: FTK, 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 20110815020499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110815020499A), Aug 15, 2011: Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA 40, Hodgenville, KY, Destroyed. N316MA, a Diamond DA-40, attempted takeoff from a grass field that is not a federal aviation administration (FAA) recognized airport. Upon lift-off, the left… ## Other investigations on N316MA (1) 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 NYC04CA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04CA085), Mar 10, 2004: Diamond Aircraft Industries DA-40 (N316MA), Bardstown, KY, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 18, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81502. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Operator (item 1, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367641&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20Operator-Redacted.PDF - Memorandum for Record - FAA Inspector Information (item 2, .PDF, 155 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367643&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20FAA%20Inspector%20Information-Master.PDF - Witness Statements (item 3, .PDF, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352656&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Ft. Knox Weather (item 4, .PDF, 99 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352651&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Ft.%20Knox%20Weather-Master.PDF - Flight Plan Information (item 5, .PDF, 87 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40371305&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Flight%20Plan%20Information-Redacted.PDF - Fuel Record (item 6, .PDF, 88 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367638&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Fuel%20Record-Redacted.PDF - Weight and Balance Calculations (item 7, .PDF): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367642&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weight%20and%20Balance%20Calculations-Master.PDF - Photo 1: Airpalne At Rest Facing Back Direction of Travel (Courtesy of the FAA) (item 8, .PDF, 4.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367706&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20Airpalne%20At%20Rest%20Facing%20Back%20Direction%20of%20Travel%20(Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 2: Front of Airplane at Rest (Courtesy of the FAA) (item 9, .PDF, 6.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40367707&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20Front%20of%20Airplane%20at%20Rest%20(Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 3: Grass Strip Facing West (Courtesy of the FAA) (item 10, .PDF, 52 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352654&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%3A%20Grass%20Strip%20Facing%20West%20(Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 4: Fuel Selector Valve (Courtesy of the FAA) (item 11, .PDF, 64 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352655&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%3A%20Fuel%20Selector%20Valve%20(Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA)-Master.PDF 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.