# NTSB FTW95LA291: Quicksilver Mxlr II, Borger, TX, June 29, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1995, 20:00 local (Jun 29, 1995, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Borger, TX
- Coordinates: 35.649112, -101.399322 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6491&lon=-101.3993&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 29, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19493
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA291
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19493/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA291

## 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

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - 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 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: QUICKSILVER MXLR II
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Engines: 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.

- 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

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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