# NTSB IAD96LA121: Corben Baby Ace C-1, N75H, Portsmouth, OH, July 23, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 23, 1996, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Portsmouth, OH - Coordinates: 38.749122, -82.949913 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7491&lon=-82.9499&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 16, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28088 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD96LA121 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28088/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD96LA121 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loss of engine power during the initial climb out. A related factor was the rising terrain encountered during the forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause) - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he had just purchased the ultralight aircraft, and that a new engine had recently been installed. He stated that the carburetor was examined the day before the accident, and '...it seemed to run OK.' According to the pilot, his intention was to taxi the ultralight aircraft to accumulate some hours on the engine, but a gust of wind caught the wing, and the ultralight aircraft lifted off. He stated that he decided to remain in the traffic pattern and return to land, but the engine began to sputter, then lost power. The pilot stated that during the subsequent forced landing the ultralight aircraft struck rising terrain. Postaccident examination revealed evidence of fuel contamination. The FAA Inspector reported that sludge and water were visible in the lower portion of the fuel tank, and the fuel drain was clogged. ## Factual narrative On July 23, 1996, at 1430 eastern daylight time, a Corben Baby Ace C-1 ultralight aircraft, N75H, lost engine power shortly after takeoff at Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport, in Portsmouth, Ohio. The ultralight aircraft sustained substantial damage during the forced landing. The pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Portsmouth, Ohio, at approximately 1428. The pilot reported that he had just purchased the ultralight aircraft, and a new engine had been installed. He stated that the engine "...had trouble cutting out..." so he had a mechanic examine the carburetor. He stated that "...it seemed to run OK." The pilot reported that he intended to taxi the ultralight aircraft to accumulate engine time. He stated, "I didn't really mean to take it up...[but a] gust of wind..." caught the wing and the ultralight aircraft lifted off. He stated that he decided to go around the traffic pattern, but as the ultralight aircraft approached the airport boundary, the engine sputtered, then lost power. The pilot stated that during the subsequent forced landing the landing gear and propeller struck an embankment. The ultralight aircraft was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector after the accident. The FAA Inspector stated that when he examined the fuel tank, he observed sludge and water in the lower portion of the tank. The FAA Inspector reported that it was not possible to drain the fuel out of the fuel drain due to a clogged fuel drain. Further postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N75H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N75H), registered now, S/N 1, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Corben Baby Ace C-1 - Registry model: [Corben Baby Ace C-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/corben-baby-ace-c-1) (registry code 00301SF) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental C75-12](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c75-12) (registry code 17108, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Ultralight, amateur-built - Serial number: 1 - Engines: Volkswagen 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Sheridan P Sizemore - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: PMH - Airport: PMH, Greater Portsmouth Region, runway 18, 4,996 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 73; student; medical: expired; seat: center; flight hours: 1,400 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F ## 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 19960723036239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960723036239A), Jul 23, 1996: Amtraa BABYACEC, Portsmouth, OH, Substantial damage. Lost power in pattern. Hit embankment landing. Claims taxi test newly purchased. Airborne due gust. Sludge in fuel. (-23) contaminating fuel tank & system… 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.