# NTSB FTW95LA169: Stembridge Spezio, N3068, Duncan, OK, April 15, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 15, 1995, 16:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Duncan, OK
- Coordinates: 34.520095, -97.959312 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5201&lon=-97.9593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 29, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19394
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19394/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA169

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS. A FACTOR WAS GUSTY WINDS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Analysis

AT ABOUT TWO FEET OFF THE GRASS RUNWAY 18, WITH THE AIRSPEED AT 70 MPH, A GUST OF WIND BLEW THE AIRPLANE TOWARD PLUM BUSHES ABOUT 8 FEET FROM THE WEST EDGE OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT BEFORE CORRECTIVE ACTION TOOK EFFECT (RIGHT AILERON DOWN AND LEFT RUDDER) THE RIGHT WING TIP HIT THE BUSHES AND THE AIRPLANE TURNED ABOUT 160 DEGREES AND IMPACTED THE TERRAIN. REPORTED WINDS WERE FROM THE EAST AT 5 KNOTS GUSTING TO 20 KNOTS.

## Factual narrative

On April 15, 1995, at 1600 central standard time, an experimental Stembridge SPEZIO, N3068, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Duncan, Oklahoma.  The private pilot and one passenger were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight.

The Pilot/Operator report stated that runway 18 was used and "just after lift off at about 70 mph, about 2 feet off the grass, a strong gust of wind blew us toward plum bushes about 8 feet from the west edge of the strip."  The pilot stated that "before corrective action took effect (right aileron down and some left rudder) the right wing tip hit the bushes and the aircraft turned about 160 degrees and landed tail first."  Damage occurred as the left main landing gear folded under the wing and the left horizontal stabilizer bent.  Pilot reported winds were from the east at 5 knots gusting to 20 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3068](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3068-2013-05-21), registration cancelled 2013-05-21, S/N 154-1, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STEMBRIDGE SPEZIO
- Registry model: [Stembridge STEMBRIDGE-SPEZIO](https://openairdocs.org/model/stembridge-stembridge-spezio) (registry code 0562613) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 154-1
- Airframe hours: 300
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-G4 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomson, Billy & Norma
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 5, 1994, 15 hours before
- Airport: Thomson Field, runway 18, 2,640 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 365 total, 29 in this make and model, 213 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19950415008209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950415008209A), Apr 15, 1995: Amtrsp SPEZIOTUHOLE, Duncan, OK, Substantial damage. Wind gust reported by pilot on takeoff. Blew homebuilt of side off runway. Wing hit brushes. Collapsed main gear.

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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