# NTSB GAA16CA395: Engineering & Research 415, N2377H, Collinsville, OK, July 23, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 23, 2016, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC) - Place: Collinsville, OK - Coordinates: 36.353889, -95.803337 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3539&lon=-95.8033&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 12, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 93697 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA16CA395 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/93697/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93697 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA395 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in a high density altitude condition, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a tree. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 3,969 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 9,308 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: high density altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition; cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 280 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot; cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 3,100 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 4,590 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 3,656 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 1,428 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 10,154 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 562 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 2,289 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) - [Post-impact: Evacuation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/460); cases with it: [Engineering & Research 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/460/sequence.md?model=0420306), [All aircraft, 103 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/460/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that during the takeoff rotation, the nose came up and the left wing rose, but as he looked to the right wing it appeared low and "the next thing he knew" the airplane was going about 45 degrees across the runway to the right, headed for a tree. The pilot further reported that he reduced throttle and applied the brakes while turning left to no avail. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and spun clockwise about 90 degrees sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and aft fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot recommended that due to the density altitude and low powered airplane it may not have been a good condition for departure. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that during the takeoff rotation, the nose came up and the left wing rose, but as he looked to the right wing it appeared low and "the next thing he knew" the airplane was going about 45 degrees across the runway to the right, headed for a tree. The pilot further reported that he reduced throttle and applied the brakes while turning left to no avail. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree and spun clockwise about 90 degrees sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and aft fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot recommended that due to the density altitude and low powered airplane it may not have been a good condition for departure. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2377H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2377H-2019-05-06), registration cancelled 2019-05-06, S/N 3002, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ENGINEERING & RESEARCH 415 (D) - Registry model: [Engineering & Research 415-D](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-415-d) (registry code 0420306) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 3002 - Year built: 1946 - Airframe hours: 2606.3 - Engines: CONT MOTOR C85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 3, 2015 - Departed: OK94, Collinsville, OK - Destination: OK94, Collinsville, OK - Airport: OK94, Sandridge Airpark Inc, runway 17, 2,545 × 110 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 71; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 28, 2015; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 1,335 total, 49 in this make and model, 1,335 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 99 °F, dew point 68 °F - Altimeter: 29.92 inHg - Observed at: KTUL, 10 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 20160723013289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160723013289A), Jul 23, 2016: Engineering & Research 415-CD, Collinsville, OK, Substantial damage. The pilot with his passenger , his 13 yr. Old granddaughter were attempting a take off to the south on runway 17 and after gaining speed, stated that he tried… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 30, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93697. 2.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443958&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Accident Photos (Courtesy of FAA) (item 2, .PDF, 2 photos, 348 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443959&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF 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.