# NTSB FTW88DRA06: Neff BD-4, N1HN, Beaumont, TX, April 9, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: April 9, 1988, 08:41 local (13:41 UTC)
- Place: Beaumont, TX
- Coordinates: 30.100217, -94.170524 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.1002&lon=-94.1705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report September 29, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22475
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88DRA06
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22475/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88DRA06

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - lubricating system - failure,total (cause)
  - fluid,oil - starvation (cause)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod bolt - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - sign (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE FLIGHT, AN OIL-LIKE ODOR WAS DETECTED AND OIL SPOTS APPEARED ON THE WINDSHIELD.  THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND THE ENGINE FAILED.  DURING THE FORCED LANDING ON A HIGHWAY, THE LEFT WING STRUCK A ROAD SIGN.  THE SPAR/ FUEL TANK RUPTURED AND THE AIRPLANE BURNED.  THE ROD BOLTS FROM THE 3 AND 4 RODS FAILED AFTER LOSS OF LUBRICATION. THE REASON FOR THE LOSS OF LUBRICATION COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1HN](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1HN-2013-08-07), registration cancelled 2013-08-07, S/N 342, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: NEFF BD-4
- Registry model: [Neff BD-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/neff-bd-4) (registry code 1130545) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 342
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth L. Flowers
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: TOO, ANAHUAC, TX
- Destination: LAL, LAKELAND, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 290 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BPT, 5 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 19880409008059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880409008059A), Apr 9, 1988: Amtrbd BEDEBD4, Beaumont, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft had engine seizure. Hit sign post on forced landing and caught fire after impact. Report incomplete.

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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