# NTSB LAX96LA126: Worthington BD-5B, N69SW, San Martin, CA, March 2, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 2, 1996, 13:11 local (21:11 UTC) - Place: San Martin, CA - Coordinates: 37.099609, -121.600082 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0996&lon=-121.6001&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report September 19, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29383 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX96LA126 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29383/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA126 ## Probable cause the pilot/builder's improper installation (overtorque) of the ignition switch on the instrument panel, which caused an internal switch failure and subsequent malfunction of the ignition system. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb - ignition system,ignition switch - failure (cause) - maintenance,installation - improper, owner/builder (cause) - ignition system - disabled (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - On ground/water collision with object, emergency landing - object - sign - object - fence ## Analysis According to the pilot, the airplane was in the initial takeoff climb from runway 32, when the engine lost power. He attempted a landing on a freeway median, but the airplane collided with a sign and fence posts. During an investigation, the instrument panel toggle switch, marked 'ignition,' would not stay in the up (on) position. Removal of the switch revealed that its plastic back casing was broken with no impact damage or deformation noted in the surrounding structure. The mechanic, who removed the switch, stated that it was installed excessively tight on the panel. After being removed from the panel, the switch would stay in the up (on) position. The engine was then successfully started and operationally checked. ## Factual narrative On March 2, 1996, at 1311 hours Pacific standard time, a homebuilt experimental Worthington BD-5B airplane, N69SW, collided with ground obstructions during a forced landing on a freeway median near San Martin, California. The forced landing was precipitated by a total loss of power during the takeoff initial climb from the South County Airport. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot and was beginning a local area personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage and the certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. According to the pilot, the Honda engine-powered airplane was in the takeoff initial climb from runway 32 when the engine failed. The pilot was attempting a landing on a freeway median and collided with a sign and fence posts. FAA inspectors from the San Jose, California, Flight Standards District Office examined the aircraft and supervised a test engine run. The reporting inspector noted that the instrument panel toggle switch marked "ignition" would not stay in the up (on) position. An A & P mechanic then removed the switch from the panel. The inspector stated that the plastic back casing of the switch was broken with no impact damage or deformation found in the surrounding structure. The mechanic who removed the switch stated that it was installed "excessively tight into the panel." After removal from the panel, the switch would stay in the up (on) position. The engine was then successfully started and run, with throttle and mixture control authority demonstrated. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N69SW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N69SW-1996-08-21), registration cancelled 1996-08-21, S/N 001 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: WORTHINGTON BD-5B - Registry model: [Worthington Sean T BD-5B](https://openairdocs.org/model/worthington-sean-t-bd-5b) (registry code 05623BL) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 001 - Airframe hours: 38 - Engines: Honda reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Sean T. Worthington - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: Q99 - Airport: Q99, South County Airport, runway 32, 3,100 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 400 total, 38 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: SJC, 25 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 19960302003449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960302003449A), Mar 2, 1996: Amtrbd BEDEBD5, San Martin, CA, Destroyed. Engine quit after takeoff. 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.