# NTSB MIA95LA064: Beebe, Dale G. RV-6, N109DB, Zellwood, FL, January 28, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 28, 1995, 12:05 local (17:05 UTC)
- Place: Zellwood, FL
- Coordinates: 28.73047, -81.599693 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.7305&lon=-81.5997&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 June 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37724
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA95LA064
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37724/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA064

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT DECISION BY THE PILOT TO ABORT TAKEOFF WITH INSUFFICIENT RUNWAY REMAINING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - window,canopy - open (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - object - tree(s)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE STATED THE CANOPY OPENED JUST AFTER LIFTOFF.  HE FURTHER STATED HE 'WAS OUT OF RUNWAY' AND THEN REDUCED POWER IN AN ATTEMPT TO ABORT TAKEOFF. HE FLEW PAST THE END OF THE RUNWAY, COLLIDED WITH TREES, AND NOSED OVER.

## Factual narrative

On January 28, 1995, about 1205 eastern standard time, an RV-6, registered to Dale G. Beebe, crashed during takeoff at Bob White Airport, Zellwood, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.  The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the private-rated pilot was not injured.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated shortly after liftoff of runway 27 the canopy opened.  The pilot then reduced power and attempted to close the canopy;  thereafter, he lost control and collided with the trees.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N109DB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N109DB-2018-01-02), registration cancelled 2018-01-02, S/N 20502, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEEBE, DALE G. RV-6
- Registry model: [Beebe Dale G RV-6](https://openairdocs.org/model/beebe-dale-g-rv-6) (registry code 05608JQ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 20502
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Beebe, Dale G.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: X61, FL
- Airport: X61, Bob White Field, runway 27, 3,300 × 150 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 461 total, 129 in this make and model, 403 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 9,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ORL, 19 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 19950128000909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950128000909A), Jan 28, 1995: Amtr RV6, Zellwood, FL, Substantial damage. Canopy opened on takeoff. Reduced power. Attempted close canopy. Lost control. Struck trees.

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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