# NTSB FTW94LA069: Nelson Ford V-6 Stol 262, N4288L, San Benito, TX, January 10, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 10, 1994, 10:18 local (16:18 UTC)
- Place: San Benito, TX
- Coordinates: 26.130216, -97.629875 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.1302&lon=-97.6299&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18991
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18991/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA069

## Probable cause

A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WITH THE CAUSE UNDETERMINED. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT VEERED TO THE LEFT DURING INITIAL CLIMB FROM RUNWAY 12. DURING A RIGHT TURNOUT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND RESTARTED ACCORDING TO THE WITNESS. AS THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LEVEL THE AIRPLANE WINGS FOR LANDING ON RUNWAY 30, THE RIGHT WING STRUCK THE GROUND. THE PILOT SUFFERS AMNESIA AND TO DATE DOES NOT REMEMBER THE ACCIDENT.

## Factual narrative

On January 10, 1994, at 1018 central standard time, a Nelson Ford V-6 STOL, N4288L, was substantially damaged during landing near San Benito, Texas.  The private pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local area flight.

During a personal interview conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, a witness stated that the aircraft "veered" to the left after becoming airborne from runway 12 at San Benito Municipal airport.  The witness stated to the inspector that the "aircraft then made a right turn at which point the engine quit and restarted."  The witness observed the pilot attempt to level the airplane wings for landing on runway 30.  The right wing hit the ground 30 feet short of the runway.

Site examination by the inspector revealed "propeller ground scars 24 feet" from where the wing reportedly hit the ground.  The engine was found separated from the airframe.  The main wreckage came to rest on a measured magnetic heading of 270 degrees.  Physical evidence of fuel was found.

During  personal interviews, conducted by  FAA inspectors, a relative and the pilot stated that the "pilot did not  remember anything about the accident."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4288L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4288L-1996-10-07), registration cancelled 1996-10-07, S/N 199210216 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: NELSON FORD V-6 STOL 262 (FORD V-6 S)
- Registry model: [Nelson James H V-6 STOL 262](https://openairdocs.org/model/nelson-james-h-v-6-stol-262) (registry code 957053G) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1992-1-02-16
- Engines: FORD 3.8 V-6 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Nelson, James H.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Airport: T66, San Benito Municipal, runway 12, 3,200 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,072 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HRL, 11 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 19940110018339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940110018339A), Jan 10, 1994: Amtr STOL262, San Benito, TX, Substantial damage. Engine began missing on climbing turnout from takeoff. Tried return. Wing hit short of runway. Prop ground scars.

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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