# NTSB FTW84LA172: Robert Mcdonnell KR-2, N125RM, Kerrville, TX, March 21, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 20, 1984, 18:45 local (Mar 21, 1984, 00:45 UTC)
- Place: Kerrville, TX
- Coordinates: 30.070032, -99.230041 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0700&lon=-99.2300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21286
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA172
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21286/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA172

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - inadequate (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - wing,skin - loose (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - terrain condition - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PLT/BUILDER OF THE HOME BUILT ACFT ACCELERATION WAS NOT UP TO PAR DURING THE TAKOFF ROLL. TAKEOFF WAS CONTINUED AND INITIAL CLIMB WAS POOR. A DOWNWIND TURN WAS INITIATED AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL. DURING THE TURN THE PLT NOTICEDA STRIP OF TAPE ON TOP OF THE RIGHT WING COMING LOOSE. THIS TAPE COVERS THE DETACH POINT OF THE DETACHABLE WINGS. THE PLT WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN ALT AND IN LOOKING FOR A LANDING SPOT COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE ACFT SLEWED ABOUT AND CAME TO REST IN A FIELD. THE PLT BLAMED THE ACCIDENT ON A LESS THAN ADEQUATE ENGINE AND THE ADDED DRAG OF THE LOOSE TAPE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N125RM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N125RM-1984-06-19), registration cancelled 1984-06-19, S/N 10279 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROBERT MCDONNELL KR-2
- Registry model: [Mcdonnell Robert L KR 2](https://openairdocs.org/model/mcdonnell-robert-l-kr-2) (registry code 05648ML) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 10279
- Airframe hours: 2
- Engines: VOLKSWAGEN 1678CC 50 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert L. Mcdonnell
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 22, 1983, 2 hours before
- Departed: ERV, KERRVILLE, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 864 total, 2 in this make and model, 839 as pilot in command, 52 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19840320008189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840320008189A), Mar 20, 1984: Amtr KR2, Kerrville, TX, Destroyed. Tape covering wing joint came loose on downwind. Engine lost partial power. Wing hit a tree during forced landing.

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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