# NTSB FTW92LA054: Alvin D. Campbell KR-2, N651AC, San Marcos, TX, January 4, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 4, 1992, 16:55 local (22:55 UTC)
- Place: San Marcos, TX
- Coordinates: 29.880006, -97.919357 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8800&lon=-97.9194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18432
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA054
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18432/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA054

## Probable cause

THE MODIFICATION OF THE CANOPY HINGE SYSTEM WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO AN INFLIGHT CANOPY SEPARATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - window,canopy - separation (cause)
  - maintenance,modification - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - stall/spin - encountered, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field
- Fire, other

## Analysis

THE PILOT/BUILDER OF THE HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT WAS ON A LOCAL FLIGHT TO DEMONSTRATE THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS TO A PROSPECTIVE BUILDER. WHILE MANEUVERING, THE ONE PIECE PLEXIGLASS CANOPY SEPARATED FROM THE AIRFRAME DUE TO FAILURE OF THE HINGE SYSTEM, RESULTING IN AN INFLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL. THE PILOT HAD MODIFIED THE CANOPY HINGE SYSTEM FROM THE STANDARD TWO HINGE SYSTEM, TO A FULL LENGTH PIANO WIRE HINGE SYSTEM. THE LOSS OF THE CANOPY IN SUCH A SHORT COUPLED FUSELAGE DISTURBED THE AIRFLOW TO THE POINT OF BLANKETING THE ELEVATORS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N651AC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N651AC-1994-11-21), registration cancelled 1994-11-21, S/N 1 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ALVIN D. CAMPBELL KR-2
- Registry model: [Campbell Alvin D KR-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/campbell-alvin-d-kr-2) (registry code 05648KG) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 01
- Airframe hours: 350
- Engines: VOLKSWAGEN 2180CC 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Alvin D. Campbell
- Registered owner: Alvin D. Campbell
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: 3R5, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 413 total, 350 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AUS, 33 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 19920104000089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920104000089A), Jan 4, 1992: Amtr KR2, San Marcos, TX, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Lost modified canopy. Disrupted air flow over empannege. Lost control and spiraled to vertical ground impact.

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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