# NTSB MIA07CA061: Bruce E. Hotz Wind Wagon, N9017M, Leesburg, FL, March 19, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: March 19, 2007, 10:55 local (14:55 UTC) - Place: Leesburg, FL - Coordinates: 28.822778, -81.809165 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8228&lon=-81.8092&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 June 27, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA Flight Standards District Office - NTSB case key (mKey): 65462 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA07CA061 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65462/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA07CA061 ## Probable cause The failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff after recognizing that the engine rpm was 760 less than desired after becoming airborne, and the inability of the airplane to maintain a positive rate of climb resulting in a controlled descent, and in-flight collision with a concrete blast type fence. A factor in the accident was the in-flight encounter with turbulence. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - aircraft performance - inadequate - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause) - In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor) - climb - not possible, pilot in command - In flight collision with object, descent - object - wall/barricade - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The installed engine/propeller combination did not produce the intended rpm after becoming airborne during the flight test flight, but the pilot continued the takeoff. During the initial climb when approximately 3/4 down the runway, the flight encountered turbulence, and coupled with reduced performance, resulted in failure to maintain a positive rate of climb. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane in an effort to avoid a stall but the airplane collided with a concrete berm near the departure end of the runway. The airplane then impacted the ground adjacent to a 4-lane highway, and the airplane and a vehicle on the road collided. The pilot reported there was no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction of the engine, flight controls, or systems. ## Factual narrative During a flight test flight, the pilot applied full power and the airplane became airborne in 400-500 feet; the tachometer read 2,240 instead of the planned 3,000 rpm. The pilot continued and the initial rate of climb was "...low but positive." The airplane climbed to approximately 100 feet, and when at midfield, the flight encountered turbulence which resulted in a loss of altitude (10-20 feet), and a loss of airspeed (several miles-per-hour). The pilot recovered both and a positive rate of climb was re-established. When approximately 3/4 down the runway, the flight again encountered turbulence resulting in the inability to maintain a positive rate of climb. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane in an effort to avoid a stall, but the airplane collided with a concrete berm near the departure end of the runway. The airplane then impacted the ground adjacent to a 4-lane highway, and the airplane and a vehicle on the road collided. The pilot reported there was no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction of the engine, flight controls, or systems. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9017M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9017M-2009-01-13), registration cancelled 2009-01-13, S/N 1324, built 2006 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Bruce E. Hotz Wind Wagon - Registry model: [Hotz Bruce E WIND WAGON](https://openairdocs.org/model/hotz-bruce-e-wind-wagon) (registry code 05620Z5) (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: 1324 - Airframe hours: 0.1 - Engines: Continental 4A032 18 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Flight test, Part 91 - Registered owner: Bruce E. Hotz - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, November 1, 2006 - Departed: KLEE, Leesburg, FL - Destination: KLEE, Leesburg, FL - Airport: KLEE, Leesburg International Airport, runway 3, 4,957 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 1, 2007; seat: center; flight hours: 150 total, 1 in this make and model, 15 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 70° at 12 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 30.39 inHg - Observed at: KLEE ## 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 20070319004609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070319004609A), Mar 19, 2007: Amtr WINDWAGON, Leesburg, FL, Substantial damage. (-23) Wind wagon, N9017M, departed runway 3 at the Leesburg airport, Leesburg, Florida on March 19, 2007 at approximately 10:55 local time. The aircraft failed… 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.