# NTSB FTW95LA404: Fratus XP-23 Hawk, N3990U, Joshua, TX, September 26, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 26, 1995, 18:50 local (23:50 UTC) - Place: Joshua, TX - Coordinates: 32.460132, -97.379722 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4601&lon=-97.3797&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report March 21, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19588 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA404 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19588/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA404 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to see and avoid the wires. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - object - wire,transmission - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis During takeoff, witnesses reported that the airplane's engine sounded rough. The airplane climbed steeply to approximately 1,500 to 2,000 feet above the ground, and the engine no longer sounded rough. The airplane then circled back around to the north end of the field maintaining altitude as if the pilot was planning to land or do a fly-by for the camera. As the airplane lined up with the runway it appeared too low to clear the wires. Just before the airplane hit the wire, one witness reported that he heard the power increase. An examination of airplane and engine did not reveal any anomalies. A friend of the pilot who was familiar with the airplane stated that visibility from the cockpit was poor. ## Factual narrative On September 26, 1995, at 1850 central daylight time, a Fratus XP-23 Hawk experimental airplane, N3990U, was destroyed upon impact with power lines while landing near Joshua, Texas. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. Witnesses reported that during takeoff from Buffalo Chips Airstrip, the airplane's engine sounded "rough." The airplane climbed "steeply" to approximately 1,500 to 2,000 feet above the ground, and the engine no longer sounded "rough." The airplane circled back around to the north end of the field "maintaining altitude as if the pilot was planning to land or do a fly-by for the camera." When the airplane reached a position northeast of the field, it descended "suddenly and sharply." The pilot "typically approached runways high and then descended steeply for the landing." As the airplane lined up with the runway it "appeared too low to clear the wires." Just before the airplane hit the wire, one witness reported that he heard the "power increase." A friend of the pilot who was familiar with the airplane stated that "visibility from the cockpit was poor." An examination of airplane and engine by a FAA inspector, did not reveal any anomalies. The airplane was destroyed by a postimpact fire. An autopsy was performed by the Chief Medical Examiner, Cleburne, Texas. Toxicology testing was performed by the Civil Aeronautical Medical Institute, Mike Maroney Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Toxicological findings were negative. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3990U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3990U-1997-07-22), registration cancelled 1997-07-22, S/N 400 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: FRATUS XP-23 HAWK - Registry model: [Fratus Carl E XP-23 HAWK](https://openairdocs.org/model/fratus-carl-e-xp-23-hawk) (registry code 056135D) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 400 - Engines: reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Carl E. Fratus - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: NONE - Destination: FWS, BURLESON, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,500 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 120° at 8 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: FTW, 22 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 19950926030229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950926030229A), Sep 26, 1995: Amtr HAWK, Joshua, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. After takeoff circled began steep approach to runway. Struck wires and crashed. Powered up just prior wire strike. 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.