FTW95LA291

NTSB accident investigation · Quicksilver Mxlr II · Borger, TX · June 29, 1995

Accident · Serious injuriesLimited investigationFinal report
Date
June 28, 1995, 20:00 local (Jun 29, 1995, 01:00 UTC)
Place
Borger, TX
Injuries
1 serious
Damage
Substantial damage
Phase of flight
Takeoff
Aircraft
UNREGQuicksilver Mxlr II
Weather
Visual (VMC) · Day
Status
Completed · report January 29, 1996
Report
Approved by Office Director
Case key
19493

From the NTSB’s public API. By law, NTSB reports can’t be used as evidence in lawsuits over the accident.

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Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and takeoff and failure to maintain flying speed. The soft, uneven terrain and tall grass were factors.

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

On ground/water encounter with terrain/waterTakeoff - roll/run
Terrain condition - softFactor
Terrain condition - rough/unevenFactor
Terrain condition - high vegetation
Unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selectedPilot in commandCause
Loss of control - in flightTakeoff - initial climb
Airspeed - not maintainedPilot in commandCause
Stall - inadvertentPilot in command
In flight collision with terrain/waterDescent - uncontrolled

Analysis

The pilot landed at the lake meredith national recreation area located along a river. During the takeoff roll from the soft uneven terrain with tall grass, the aircraft was 'unable to become airborne.' The only passenger exited the aircraft. During a second attempted takeoff, the aircraft struck a mound of dirt and 'became airborne and nosed down impacting the ground.' The airplane was observed 'up to about 150 feet, then the plane took a nose dive.'

Factual narrative

On June 28, 1995, at 2000 central daylight time, an unregistered experimental airplane, a Quicksilver MXLR II, sustained substantial damage during takeoff at the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area near Borger, Texas. The non-certificated pilot was seriously injured. The aircraft was being operated by the owner, under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local area flight and a flight plan was not filed.

During an interview, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that, he landed near a river for a picnic. During the takeoff roll from the soft field with tall grass, the aircraft was "unable to become airborne." The only passenger exited the aircraft. During a second attempted takeoff, the aircraft struck a mound of dirt and "became airborne and nosed down impacting the ground." The fuselage was separated in several places.

The witness (enclosed statement) reported that the area was "unlevel, soggy ground." The witness further stated that the pilot "got the plane up to about 150 feet, then the plane took a nose dive."

Numerous attempts were made by the investigator-in-charge to obtain the Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). To date, the report has not been received.

Aircraft

Registration
UNREG
Reported as
Quicksilver Mxlr II
Category
Airplane, amateur-built
Engine
Rotax 582, 64 horsepower, reciprocating
Damage
Substantial damage
Flight
Personal · Part 91
Registered owner
Larry D. Rauscher
Departed
NONE

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role
Pilot
Age
38
Medical
Expired
Flight hours
100 total · 1 in the last 24 hours

Weather

Conditions
Visual (VMC) · Day
Wind
160° at 9 knots
Visibility
10 statute miles
Lowest ceiling
None
Temperature
73 °F, dew point 61 °F
Altimeter
30.00 inHg
Observed at
AMA, 30 nm away