# NTSB MKC88LA096: Mccurry Taylor Monoplane, N4256B, Marshalltown, IA, May 24, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1988, 20:30 local (May 24, 1988, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Marshalltown, IA
- Coordinates: 42.030986, -92.910339 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0310&lon=-92.9103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34574
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88LA096
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34574/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88LA096

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ignition system - switched off (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel system - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - attempted, pilot in command
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD INTENTIONALLY SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE-- SO AS TO ATTEMPT A POWER OFF 'DEADSTICK' LANDING. AS HE WAS DESCENDING, THE PILOT CHANGED HIS PLANS AND DECIDED TO RESTART THE ENGINE--BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. WHILE ATTEMPTING THE RE-START, THE WINDS ALOFT CARRIED THE AIRPLANE AWAY FROM THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT DID NOT COMPENSATE FOR THE WINDS AND CRASH LANDED IN A DITCH, JUST SHORT OF THE AIRPORT. A POST-CRASH INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO PRE-EXISTING MECHANCIAL DISCREPANCIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4256B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4256B), registered now, S/N DPM-1, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MCCURRY TAYLOR MONOPLANE (TAYLOR MON)
- Registry model: [Mccurry David P TAYLOR MONOPLANE](https://openairdocs.org/model/mccurry-david-p-taylor-monoplane) (registry code 05608K1) (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: DPM-1
- Airframe hours: 356
- Engines: VOLKSWAGEN HAPI-VW 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mccurry, Daivd P.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 6, 1988
- Airport: MIW, Marshalltown Municipal, runway 36, 2,800 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 461 total, 282 in this make and model, 416 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 40° at 16 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ALO, 36 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 19880523023279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880523023279A), May 23, 1988: Amtrty TAYLORMONO, Marshalltown, IA, Substantial damage. Shut down engine to attempt engine out landing. Too low and unable restart,crash landed short of airport.

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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