# NTSB MKC86LA072: Jim Elliott VP-2, N32JE, Scott City, KS, March 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 21, 1986, 16:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Scott City, KS
- Coordinates: 38.469661, -100.900024 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4697&lon=-100.9000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34148
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC86LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34148/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA072

## Sequence of events

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

- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - lack of (contributing factor)
  - performance data - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS MAKING HIS FIRST FLT IN THE ACFT WHICH IS POWERED BY A VOLKSWAGON, 1,834 CC ENG. THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE FROM A HARD SURFACE RWY AND CLIMBED TO ABOUT 100 FT AGL. THE PLT SAID THE CONTROLS FELT MUSHY AND WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO CLIMB THE AIRSPEED DECREASED. HE ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE ARPT BUT BECAME CONCERNED THAT THE ACFT WOULD STALL SO HE LANDED IN A WHEATFIELD. THE FLD WAS SOFT AND THE R MLG BROKE. ENG RPM DURING THE FLT WAS IN THE GREEN, ABOUT 3,100, AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THAT 5 INCHES OF THE PROPELLER HAD BEEN CUT OFF IN ORDER TO INCREASE ENGINE RPM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32JE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32JE-2012-09-27), registration cancelled 2012-09-27, S/N 001, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: JIM ELLIOTT VP-2
- Registry model: [Elliott Jim VP-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/elliott-jim-vp-2) (registry code 0563672) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 001
- Airframe hours: 50
- Engines: VOLKSWAGEN 1,834 CC 37 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John P. Murphy
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, August 20, 1985

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 88 total, 52 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F

## 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 19860321007579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860321007579A), Mar 21, 1986: Amtrev VOLKSPLNEVP2, Scott City, KS, Substantial damage. Controls felt mushy after liftoff. Landed in a field. Propeller had been shortened 5 inches to increase engine RPM.

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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