# NTSB FTW95LA364: Isaacson Kolb Twin Star MK II, N141KE, Mansfield, TX, August 27, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 27, 1995, 08:20 local (13:20 UTC) - Place: Mansfield, TX - Coordinates: 32.560401, -97.110885 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5604&lon=-97.1109&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed, report March 21, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19556 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA364 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19556/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA364 ## Probable cause the loss of engine power for undertermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. A factor was the pilot's lack of flying experience. ## 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 (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - Loss of control - in flight, emergency descent/landing - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor) - lack of certification, pilot in command - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command ## Analysis After takeoff, the engine lost power at low altitude. The student pilot reported that he attempted to 'put the stick forward to get airspeed for landing, but did not have enough altitude.' Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground approximately 45 degrees nose down. The fuel tank was found to be 3/4 full. No record was found to indicate that the pilot had a solo endorsement on his student pilot certificate. ## Factual narrative On August 27, 1995, at 0820 central daylight time, an Isaacson, Kolb Twin Star MK II, homebuilt airplane, N141KE, impacted terrain following a loss of power after takeoff from Flying "L" Airpark near Mansfield, Texas. The student pilot and his passenger received serious injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The experimental airplane, owned by the pilot, was being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The pilot reported that, after takeoff, and climbing through 300 feet above ground level, the "engine failed with no warning signs" while in a right turn. He further reported that, he attempted to "put the stick forward to get airspeed for landing, but did not have enough altitude." Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground approximately "45 degrees" nose down. A witness observed the aircraft descend into a plowed field, and roll over after impact. The airplane came to rest inverted at the initial point of impact. Examination of the airplane at the site by a FAA inspector, revealed the following: The support structure tubing for the tail section was bent approximately 160 degrees backward, under the cabin section. Both support braces for the main landing gear exhibited upward bending, and the fuselage was deformed and bent. Additionally, the fuel tank was found to be approximately 3/4 full. The pilot purchased the airplane in March of 1994; however, no record was found that indicates aircraft registry in the pilot's name. Additionally, no record was found that indicates that the pilot had a solo endorsement on his student pilot certificate. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N141KE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N141KE-2013-03-18), registration cancelled 2013-03-18, S/N 140, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ISAACSON KOLB TWIN STAR MK II (KOLB TWIN) - Registry model: [Isaacson Andrew C TWINSTAR MK II](https://openairdocs.org/model/isaacson-andrew-c-twinstar-mk-ii) (registry code 05616FF) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 140 - Engines: ROTAX 532-UL 64 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Johnny Brown - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, February 9, 1993 - Departed: 6TX7 ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2 total, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 5 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: FTW, 20 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 19950827046449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950827046449A), Aug 27, 1995: Amtrkb TWINSTAR, Mansfield, TX, Substantial damage. Reported power loss on climbout. Stalled. Nosed in. Flipped over. Unregistered homebuilt. No solo endorsement. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.