# NTSB ERA13LA069: Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, N155JD, Merritt Island, FL, November 28, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 28, 2012, 14:35 local (19:35 UTC) - Place: Merritt Island, FL - Coordinates: 28.338888, -80.685279 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.3389&lon=-80.6853&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report March 7, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 85705 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA13LA069 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/85705/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=85705 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA069 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper decision to continue a cross-country flight as a primary control (aileron) system anomaly progressively worsened. Contributing to the accident was an aileron control system anomaly, the reason for which could not be determined because the aileron control system could not be tested due to impact damage, and the pilot’s inability to compensate for crosswind conditions encountered during the approach due to the aileron problem. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=05610AT), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Flight control system: aileron control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022710): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Malfunction (probable cause); cases with it: [Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022710/cases.md?model=05610AT), [All aircraft, 45 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022710/cases.md) - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=05610AT), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=05610AT), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-cruise: Flight control sys malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333); cases with it: [Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md?model=05610AT), [All aircraft, 410 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05610AT), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05610AT), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight, and the first leg of the flight was uneventful. After the airplane was refueled, the pilot departed for his destination airport. About 200 miles from the destination airport, the airplane began experiencing a left rolling tendency, which required right aileron control inputs to counteract; the rolling progressively worsened as the flight continued. During that time, the pilot could have diverted to several other airports along his route of flight. While maneuvering in the traffic pattern at the destination airport, full right aileron control was required to maintain straight-and-level flight, and only a slight relaxing of right aileron control was needed to turn left. The pilot had difficulty compensating for a northwest crosswind and performed a go-around. During the second approach, the pilot lined up the airplane on the northern side of the runway approach course, and, subsequently, he attempted to perform another go-around. When the pilot applied engine power, the airplane began to roll slowly left despite right aileron and rudder control inputs. He decreased the engine power, but the airplane's left wing struck the ground, and the airplane flipped over. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation; however, the condition of the wreckage, which included impact damage to the aileron control servo, precluded the ability to functionally check the flight control system, which was electrically actuated. Wind reported at an airport located about 8 miles southeast of the accident site was from 340 degrees at 16 knots about the time of the accident. ## Factual narrative On November 28, 2012, about 1435 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Comp Air 8 (CA-8), N155JD, operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged during a go-around, while attempting to land at the Merritt Island Airport (COI), Merritt Island, Florida. The certificated commercial pilot sustained serious injuries and a passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight that was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot reported that he flew from Smithfield, North Carolina, to Marion, South Carolina (MAO), without incident. After refueling, he departed MAO for COI. While en route, approximately 150 miles north of Ormond Beach, Florida, the airplane began to experience a left rolling tendency, which required right aileron control inputs to counteract. He configured the fuel selector to the left fuel tank in an attempt to lighten the wing and compensate for the turning tendency; however, the force required to maintain directional control became greater as the flight progressed. The pilot subsequently entered the traffic pattern at COI for runway 29, a 3,601-foot-long, 75-foot-wide, asphalt runway. While maneuvering in the traffic pattern, full right aileron control was required to maintain straight and level flight, and only a slight relaxing of right aileron control was needed to turn left. The pilot had difficulty compensating for a northwest crosswind, which resulted in the airplane drifting to the southern edge of the runway. He performed a go-around and lined-up on the northern side of the runway 29 approach course for a second landing attempt, which again resulted in a go-around. When the pilot applied engine power, the airplane began to slowly roll to the left despite right aileron and rudder control inputs. He decreased engine power; however, the airplane's left wing struck the ground and the airplane flipped-over. The left wing, propeller, and empennage separated during the impact sequence. The airplane's flight controls were electrically actuated. On site examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector did not reveal any preimpact malfunctions, which would have precluded normal operation. The fuel tanks were compromised during the accident. The airplane's rudder, elevator, and aileron control servos were removed for further examination. According to the FAA inspector, the rudder and elevator control servos functioned normally; however, the aileron control servo sustained impact damage during the accident sequence and could not be tested. The six seat, high-wing, tail-wheel, turboprop airplane, serial number 998205, was constructed primarily of composite material and was equipped with a Walter M601D series, 650 horsepower engine, with an AVIA 3-bladed constant-speed propeller. According to FAA records, the airplane was issued an experimental airworthinesscertificate on April 26, 2001. The airplane was purchased from one of the builders, by the commercial pilot, through a corporation, on September 30, 2012. At that time, the airplane had been operated for about 925 total hours and had undergone a condition inspection. The pilot reported about 5,570 hours of total flight experience, which included about 100 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. In addition, the pilot had accumulated about 23 hours and 5 hours in make and model, during the 30 and 90 days preceding the accident, respectively. Winds reported at an airport located about 8 miles southeast of the accident site, about the time of the accident, were from 340 degrees at 16 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N155JD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N155JD-2018-02-08), registration cancelled 2018-02-08, S/N 998205, built 2001 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: LAWSON J/BOWIE R/SMITH M CA-8 - Registry model: [Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8](https://openairdocs.org/model/lawson-j-bowie-r-smith-m-ca-8) (registry code 05610AT) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Walter M601 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/walter-m601-series) (registry code 64002, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 998205 - Airframe hours: 923 - Engines: WALTER M601D 650 horsepower turbo prop - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, September 30, 2011 - Departed: MAO, MARION, SC - Destination: COI, Merritt Island, FL - Airport: COI, Merritt Island, runway 29, 3,601 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 42; injuries: serious; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; seat: front; flight hours: 5,569 total, 102 in this make and model, 5,357 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 340° at 16 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 30.19 inHg - Observed at: COF, 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 20121128027479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20121128027479A), Nov 28, 2012: Lawson J/Bowie R/Smith M CA-8, Merritt Island, FL, Destroyed. N155JD was enroute to merrit Island airport arriving VFR from the north at 8500'. Prior to arriving at merrit Island the pilot experienced problems with the… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on January 23, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=85705. 10.7 MB in all. - Aircraft Airworthiness Certificate (item 1, .PDF, 234 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40405446&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Airworthiness%20Certificate%20-Redacted.PDF - Aircraft Bill of Sale (item 2, .PDF, 208 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40405447&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Bill%20of%20Sale-Redacted.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 3, .PDF, 798 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40403896&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 4, .PDF, 305 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40405323&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Master.PDF - Weather Observations (item 5, .PDF, 31 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40405459&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Observations-Master.PDF - Photograph # 1 – View of airplane as it came to rest (Photograph provided by FAA) (item 6, .PDF, 4.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40405423&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%201%20%E2%80%93%20View%20of%20airplane%20as%20it%20came%20to%20rest%20(Photograph%20provided%20by%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photograph # 2 – Close-up view of empennage during recovery (Photograph provided by FAA) (item 7, .PDF, 4.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40405424&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%202%20%E2%80%93%20Close-up%20view%20of%20empennage%20during%20recovery%20(Photograph%20provided%20by%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.