# NTSB LAX88DVD05: Kerlin Avid Flyer, N4642S, Tracy, CA, June 12, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 12, 1988, 07:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Tracy, CA
- Coordinates: 37.729801, -121.420524 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.7298&lon=-121.4205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 4, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25761
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVD05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25761/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVD05

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - maintenance,installation - inadequate, manufacturer (cause)
  - inadequate certification/approval,aircraft, manufacturer (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A LOCAL HIGH SPEED TAXI TEST, THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENGINE QUIT. THE AIRPLANE WAS LANDED STRAIGHT AHEAD IN AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT ANY MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS OF THE ENGINE. THE PLT DID NOT FILE AN ACC REPORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4642S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4642S), registered now, S/N 40, built 1987 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: KERLIN AVID FLYER
- Registry model: [Kerlin Gilbert D AVID FLYER](https://openairdocs.org/model/kerlin-gilbert-d-avid-flyer) (registry code 05613AC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 40
- Airframe hours: 12
- Engines: CUYUNA 430-RR 43 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kerlin, Gilbert D.
- Registered owner: Gilbert D Kerlin
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: 1Q4, TRACY, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 880 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SCK, 16 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).

- [Incident 19880612069879I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880612069879I), Jun 12, 1988: Amtr AVIDFLYER, Tracy, CA, Minor damage. Became airborne on high speed taxi test. Engine quit on climbout. Crash landed. No cause for engine problem given.

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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