# NTSB FTW92LA072: Ryan Navion A, N39JH, Oklahoma City, OK, February 23, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1992, 14:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Oklahoma City, OK
- Coordinates: 35.55904, -97.28907 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5590&lon=-97.2891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18445
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18445/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA072

## Probable cause

THE PROPELLER HYDRAULIC CONTROL PITCH SETTING BEING INCORRECT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.  A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO IDENTIFY AND CORRECT THE PITCH SETTING AS THE PROPELLER WENT TO A HIGHER SETTING.

## 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
  - propeller system/accessories,hydraulic pitch ctl - incorrect (cause)
  - propeller feathering - not corrected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE LIFTED OFF THE 1,800 FOOT SOFT SOD RUNWAY AFTER AN 800 FOOT GROUND ROLL AND AS THE AIRPLANE PASSED OVER THE FENCE, HE NOTICED THE CLIMB DETERIORATING.  A SCAN OF THE INSTRUMENTS INDICATED THE TACHOMETER INDICATING 2,100 RPM VERSUS THE 2,500 RPM THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN NORMAL FOR TAKEOFF.  THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY CROSSED A RIVER AND IMPACTED THE OPPOSITE BANK.  TWO OF THE PASSENGERS STATED THAT THEY THOUGHT THE PILOT HAD USED MOST OF THE RUNWAY DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL.  POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-IMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.  TEAR DOWN OF THE PROPELLER INDICATED THAT THE BLADES WERE AT A PITCH SETTING OF ABOUT 20.5 DEGREES INSTEAD OF THE 12.5 DEGREES PITCH WHICH WAS NORMAL FOR TAKEOFF AND CLIMB.  NO EXPLANATION FOR THE HIGHER PITCH SETTING WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION.  A COMPUTER SIMULATION OF THE ACCIDENT SCENARIO INDICATED THAT THE BLADE ANGLE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABOUT 18.5 DEGREES FOR THE CONDITIONS AND POWER DESCRIBED BY THE PILOT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N39JH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N39JH-2010-04-07), registration cancelled 2010-04-07, S/N NAV-4-1985, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RYAN NAVION A
- Registry model: [Ryan NAVION A](https://openairdocs.org/model/ryan-navion-a) (registry code 6150162) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: NAV-4-1985
- Airframe hours: 1863
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-185-9 205 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hopcus, Jerry A.
- Registered owner: Hopcus, Jerry A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 20, 1992, 4 hours before
- Airport: NONE, Hopcus Farms, runway 35, 1,800 × 80 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 103 total, 77 in this make and model, 18 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TIK, 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 19920223003339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920223003339A), Feb 23, 1992: Tmpson NAVIONA, Oklahoma City, OK, Substantial damage. Failed to climb on takeoff from short strip. Settled to ground. Reported low RPM. Found prop in cruise pitch.

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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