# NTSB MKC85LA166: James Gress Quickie, N32JG, Fenton, MO, July 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1985, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Fenton, MO
- Coordinates: 38.529457, -90.449882 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5295&lon=-90.4499&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: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33996
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA166
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33996/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA166

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine assembly,cylinder - leak (cause)
  - engine assembly,other - low compression (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - residence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE TAKING OFF, THE PLT NOTED A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENG POWER DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB. HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALT & TRIED TO MANEUVER AROUND TREES NEAR THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY. HOWEVER, THE ACFT DESCENDED INTO THE TREE TOPS, THEN CRASHED ONTO THE ROOF OF A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT ONE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING DURING ENG OPERATION, PROVIDING INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSION TO THAT CYLINDER & A REDUCTION OF POWER. THE ENG HAD ONLY 2 CYLINDERS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32JG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32JG-2015-05-05), registration cancelled 2015-05-05, S/N 325, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: JAMES GRESS QUICKIE
- Registry model: [Gress James QUICKIE](https://openairdocs.org/model/gress-james-quickie) (registry code 05645FG) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Onan ALL MDLS A/B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/onan-all-mdls-a-b) (registry code 47850, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0325
- Airframe hours: 12
- Engines: ONAN B48GA018/1A 18 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: James T. Villmer
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 24, 1985, 1 hours before
- Departed: 3WE, FENTON, MO
- Airport: Weiss, runway 18, 3,045 × 40 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 247 total, 42 in this make and model, 201 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SUS, 8 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 19850724037039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850724037039A), Jul 24, 1985: Amtrqk QUICKIE, St Louis, MO, Substantial damage. Aircraft was unable to gain altitude after takeoff on test flight. Struck trees. Cylinder head gasket was leaking.

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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