# NTSB FTW92LA125: Shewmaker BD5, N68DS, Castroville, TX, May 3, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1992, 20:15 local (May 3, 1992, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: Castroville, TX
- Coordinates: 29.340108, -98.869583 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.3401&lon=-98.8696&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18488
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA125
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18488/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA125

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE FLARE. FACTORS WERE THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PROPELLER FEATHERING SYSTEM AND THE PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN TYPE AIRCRAFT AND THE SLIPPED PROPELLER PITCH CHANGE SYSTEM.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach
  - propeller system/accessories,pitch change mech - slipped (contributing factor)
  - propeller system/accessories,feathering system - engaged (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A HIGH SPEED TAXI TEST WHEN THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE. A NORMAL CLIMB WAS MADE TO APPROXIMATELY 1,000 FEET AGL. THE PILOT MADE SEVERAL LEFT TURNS WHILE IN LEVEL FLIGHT AND PROCEEDED BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT. DURING THE APPROACH, THE PROPELLER SYSTEM'S VARIABLE CONTROL MECHANISM SLIPPED WHICH ALLOWED THE PROPELLER TO GO TO THE FULL FEATHER POSITION. THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED WAS BETWEEN 160 TO 180 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED, ACCORDING TO THE PILOT. THE AIRSPEED THEN DROPPED TO APPROXIMATELY 100 MPH AND THE PILOT INITIATED A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE FLARE PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN, THE PILOT ADDED POWER AND THE AIRPLANE YAWED. THE LEFT WING TIP STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHICH THEN IMPACTED THE TERRAIN. THE PILOT STATED THE PROPELLER CONTROL SYSTEM PROBABLY VIBRATED LOOSE DURING THE FLIGHT. THIS SYSTEM IS CONTROLLED BY THE PILOT FROM THE COCKPIT WITH A VERNIER KNOB. THE PILOT BUILT THE AIRPLANE AND HAD NOT FLOWN IT BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N68DS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N68DS-1994-07-19), registration cancelled 1994-07-19, S/N 0014 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SHEWMAKER BD5
- Registry model: [Shewmaker Darryl D BD 5](https://openairdocs.org/model/shewmaker-darryl-d-bd-5) (registry code 11307P1) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0014
- Airframe hours: 1
- Engines: HONDA EB3 105 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Shewmaker, Darryl D.
- Registered owner: Shewmaker, Darryl D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 17,650 total, 1 in this make and model, 17,350 as pilot in command, 145 in the last 90 days, 45 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAT, 20 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 19920502019489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920502019489A), May 2, 1992: Amtrbd BEDEBD5, Castroville, TX, Destroyed. Lost power on test flight. Dragged wing on forced landing. Cartwheeled. Prop pitch control slipped feathering prop.

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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