# NTSB FTW94LA254: Boeing A75, N60459, Comfort, TX, July 31, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1994, 08:47 local (13:47 UTC)
- Place: Comfort, TX
- Coordinates: 29.970853, -98.899124 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9709&lon=-98.8991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19127
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA254
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19127/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA254

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND AND HIS FAILURE TO PUSH THE PROPELLER LEVER FULL FORWARD. FACTORS WERE THE CROSSWIND AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE BEFORE TAKEOFF CHECKLIST.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - propeller - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

AFTER COMPLETING THE RUNUP THE PILOT FAILED TO PUSH THE PROPELLER LEVER TO THE FULL FORWARD POSITION. WITNESSES OBSERVED A VERY SLOW ACCELERATION AND A LONG ROLL DURING THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF. THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR CAME OFF THE SHOULDER OF THE RUNWAY AND THE TIRE IMPACTED A RUT RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE ROOF OF A HANGAR AND A UTILITY POLE AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. A 10 KNOT CROSSWIND EXISTED 90 DEGREES TO THE RUNWAY.

## Factual narrative

On July 31, 1994, at 0847 central daylight time, a Boeing A75, N60459, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Comfort, Texas.  The private pilot sustained minor injuries and his passenger was seriously injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

According to witnesses, "the engine sounded like it was producing full power during the takeoff roll; however, the airplane appeared to accelerate at a very slow rate and the takeoff roll was much longer than any normal Stearman."  The pilot stated that after completion of the run up, he forgot to push the propeller lever to the full forward position.

The wind for the takeoff from runway 35 was from 270 degrees at an estimated speed of 10 knots.  The pilot added that the left main landing gear came off the asphalt shoulder of the runway and the tire impacted a rut which caused the airplane to swerve to the left towards the hangar.  The aircraft struck the roof of the hangar followed by the right wing impacting a utility pole and windsock near the departure end of the airstrip.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N60459](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N60459), registered now, S/N 75-139, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING A75
- Registry model: [Boeing A75](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-a75) (registry code 1380108) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming R680-4P-B4](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-r680-4p-b4) (registry code 41542, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-139
- Airframe hours: 596
- Engines: LYCOMING R-680-13 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gill, Peter D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 3, 1993, 35 hours before
- Destination: ERV, KERRVILLE, TX
- Airport: 8XS9, Rust, runway 35, 2,330 × 28 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,800 total, 500 in this make and model, 1,700 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,400 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAT, 30 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 19940731019749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940731019749A), Jul 31, 1994: Boeing A75N1, Waring, TX, Substantial damage. Slow acceleration on takeoff. And long roll. Tire hit rut. Veered. Hit hangar roof and pole. Prop not full forward.

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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