# NTSB FTW87DPA02: Moni Motor Glider, N59MA, Terrell, TX, May 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1987, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Terrell, TX
- Coordinates: 32.729957, -96.290245 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7300&lon=-96.2902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22170
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87DPA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22170/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87DPA02

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - door,exterior crew - unlocked (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THE COCKPIT CANOPY OPENED DURING INITIAL CLIMB AT ABOUT 12 FEET AGL AND THAT THIS DISRUPTED THE AIR FLOW SUFFICIENTLY THAT THE AIRCRAFT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE.  THE AIRCRAFT SETTLED BACK ONTO THE RUNWAY WITH A HARD TOUCHDOWN AND THEN DEPARTED THE RUNWAY INTO THE GRASS. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE CANOPY WAS PROPERLY CLOSED AND LOCKED BEFORE THE TAKEOFF WAS STARTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N59MA (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MONI MOTOR GLIDER (MOTOR GLID)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 322
- Airframe hours: 26
- Engines: KFM 107E MAXI reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mel Asberry
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 15, 1987
- Departed: TRL, TERRELL, TX
- Destination: F26, PLANO, TX
- Airport: TRL, Terrell Muni, runway 17, 4,000 ×  ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 54 total, 26 in this make and model, 506 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAL

## 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 19870523018729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870523018729A), May 23, 1987: Amtr MONI, Terrell, TX, Substantial damage. Canopy came open on climbout causing an uncontrolled ground collision, no defects reported. Appears pilot error.

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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