# NTSB MIA84FA003: Kimbal Dyke Delta JD2, N55AK, Punta Gorda, FL, October 4, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1983, 15:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Punta Gorda, FL
- Coordinates: 26.889465, -82.050918 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.8895&lon=-82.0509&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30945
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA84FA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30945/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84FA003

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - wing,skin - inadequate (cause)
  - acft/equip,inadequate compliance determination, production/design personnel (cause)
  - wing,skin - separation (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HOMEBUILT ACFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING NORTHEAST OVR THE EAST SIDE OF CHARLOTTE COUNTY ARPT AT ABT 1000 FT. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE ACFT PITCHED DOWNWARD AND ENTERED A SPIN INTO THE GROUND. WRECKAGE EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE WING BONDING MATERIAL EXHIBITED NUMEROUS AREAS OF NON-ADHESIVE BONDING BETWEEN THE FIRST COAT AND THE FIBER GLASS SKIN. A LAB EXAM OF A PORTION OF THE RIGHT WING BONDING MATERIAL SHOWED THAT THE FIRST COAT OF BONDING DISPLAYED SIGNS OF BOND FAILURE TO THE SKIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N55AK (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: KIMBAL DYKE DELTA JD2 (DYKE DELTA)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1054
- Airframe hours: 14
- Engines: AVCO LYCOMING O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James A. Kimbal
- Departed: PUNTA GORDA, FL
- Airport: PGD, Charlotte County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 6,000 total, 14 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMY, 28 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 19831004052469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831004052469A), Oct 4, 1983: Amtrdk DYKEDELTAJD2, Punta Gorda, FL, Destroyed. The pilot lost control of homebuilt plane on a test flight. Improper bonding on wing caused leading edge failure.

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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