# NTSB ERA15LA130: Robertson James F Velocity STD/RG E, N112TH, Sebastian, FL, February 13, 2015 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 13, 2015, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC) - Place: Sebastian, FL - Coordinates: 27.813333, -80.495552 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.8133&lon=-80.4956&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report January 5, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 90723 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA15LA130 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/90723/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=90723 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA130 ## Probable cause The pilot’s loss of airplane control after takeoff, which resulted in collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly secure the cabin door and trim the airplane for takeoff, which resulted in the cabin door opening and the nose pitching up suddenly at liftoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Action: lack of action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 792 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md) - [Doors: passenger/crew doors](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210): Aircraft › Aircraft structures · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210/cases.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 86 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01035210/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Preflight or dispatch event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030); cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 355 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05623N8), [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: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05623N8), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot had recently purchased the experimental, amateur-built airplane. He received 3.6 hours of familiarization training in another airplane by the same manufacturer during the 2 days before the accident while maintenance and inspections were performed on his airplane. Once the work was completed, the pilot departed on the accident flight. Witnesses reported that, immediately after rotation, they observed the right cabin door open. The airplane briefly maintained the runway heading and then began a "slow, lingering" left turn. One witness described the engine sound as increasing and decreasing between idle and full power. The airplane rolled left, then wings level, then left again before it descended to the ground. The airplane impacted trees near the airport perimeter; the right wing separated, and the fuselage was substantially damaged. Immediately after the accident, the pilot reported that he was taking off and that "the door blew open." The pilot subsequently reported that the airplane "pitched up violently" on takeoff and would not respond to nose-down pitch trim. Examination of the airplane revealed flight control continuity from the cockpit area to the flight control surfaces. The latch mechanism on the right cabin door was found intact and fully functional. The pitch trim was found in a nearly full nose-up setting, and, when activated, the pitch trim motor ran through its full range at its normal rate. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative On February 13, 2015, about 0900 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Velocity STD/RG-E, N112TH, was substantially damaged during collision with terrain after takeoff from Sebastian Municipal Airport (X26), Sebastian, Florida. The private pilot/owner was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.According to the chief pilot of Velocity Aircraft, the airplane was recently purchased by the pilot. The sale was brokered by the previous owner, and the airplane was flown to the Velocity facility for a conditional inspection, the installation of new door latches, and delivery to the new owner. The pilot was provided with 3.6 hours of familiarization training in a Velocity company airplane over the two days prior to the accident. The accident flight was witnessed by the chief pilot and others, and their descriptions of the event were consistent throughout. The airplane departed runway 28 after a ground roll of approximately 1,000 feet and passing the intersection of runway 05/23. Immediately after rotation, the witnesses watched the right cabin door open. The airplane maintained runway heading briefly, then began a "slow, lingering" left turn back towards runway 05. One witness described the engine sound as increasing and decreasing between idle and full power. The airplane would alternately roll left, then wings level, and roll left again before it ultimately descended to ground contact south of runway 05. The airplane impacted trees near the airport perimeter, where the right wing separated and the fuselage was substantially damaged. Immediately after the accident, a responding police officer asked the pilot what happened. The pilot reported that he was taking off, and when the airplane reached about 50 feet, at approximately 80-90 knots, "the door blew open." In a subsequent interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector, the pilot said the airplane "pitched up violently" on takeoff, and wouldn't respond to nose-down pitch trim. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that control continuity could be established from the flight control surfaces on the left wing to the cockpit area and from the flight control surfaces in the right wing to the break. The control stick was broken off in the cockpit. The latch mechanism on the right cabin door was found intact and fully functional. The pitch trim was found in a nearly full nose-up setting. Electrical power was applied, and when activated the pitch trim motor ran through its full range at its "normal" rate. The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. Examination of his logbook revealed 935 total hours of flight experience, of which 9 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent FAA thirdclass medical certificate was issued on January 31, 2015. The airplane was manufactured in 2007 and was equipped with a Superior IO-360 series, 180 hp, reciprocating engine. The airplane's most recent conditional inspection was completed on December 16, 2014 at 79 total aircraft hours. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N112TH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N112TH-2015-04-28), registration cancelled 2015-04-28, S/N SRE042, built 2007 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ROBERTSON JAMES F VELOCITY STD/RG E - Registry model: [Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E](https://openairdocs.org/model/robertson-james-f-velocity-std-rg-e) (registry code 05623N8) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Superior IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/superior-io-360-series) (registry code 59251, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: SRE042 - Year built: 2007 - Airframe hours: 79 - Engines: SUPERIOR IO-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Andrew J. Liptak - Registered owner: Andrew J. Liptak - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, December 16, 2014 - Departed: X26, Sebastian, FL - Destination: CPC, Whiteville, NC - Airport: X26, Sebastian Municipal, runway 28, 3,199 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 72; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3; last flight review September 28, 2012; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 935 total, 9 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 360° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 30.15 inHg - Observed at: VRB, 10 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 20150213003319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150213003319A), Feb 13, 2015: Robertson James F VELOCITY STD/RG-E, Sebastian, FL, Destroyed. See block 43 ## Other investigations on N112TH (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 CEN10CA532](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA532), Sep 9, 2010: Robertson Velocity (N112TH), Wooster, OH, substantial damage. Probable cause: A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel planning. ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 23, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=90723. 3.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 388 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40434163&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 112 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40434164&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Witness Statements (item 3, .PDF, 138 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40434165&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Master.PDF - Police Report (item 4, .PDF, 178 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40434166&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Police%20Report-Master.PDF - Photos (Courtesy of FAA) (item 5, .PDF, 2 photos, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40434167&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photos%20(Courtesy%20of%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.