# NTSB MKC89DCJ02: Schmahl Volksplane VP-1, N81VP, Papillion, NE, April 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: April 2, 1989, 16:11 local (22:11 UTC)
- Place: Papillion, NE
- Coordinates: 41.149101, -96.040534 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1491&lon=-96.0405&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34655
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89DCJ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34655/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89DCJ02

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER CLIMB RATE AND INADVERTENTLY STALLED THE AIRCRAFT WHICH ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT INTO AN OPEN FIELD.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - proper climb rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS FLYING AT A LOW ALTITUDE AND THEN WENT INTO A STEEP CLIMB. THE AIRPLANE BANKED TO THE LEFT AND THE NOSE DIPPED BEFORE SPIRALING INTO THE GROUND. INVESTIGATION FAILED TO FIND ANY FAILURE/MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRFRAME OR POWERPLANT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N81VP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N81VP-1991-03-29), registration cancelled 1991-03-29, S/N V2499 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHMAHL VOLKSPLANE VP-1 (VOLKSPLANE)
- Registry model: [Schmahl Edward F VOLKSPLANE VP-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/schmahl-edward-f-volksplane-vp-1) (registry code 05635C1) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: V-2499
- Engines: VOLKSWAGEN 1500 65 lbs thrust reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Schmahl, Edward F.
- Registered owner: Schmahl, Edward F
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: PAPILLION, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 300 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19890402005059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890402005059A), Apr 2, 1989: Amtrev VOLKSPLNEVP1, Papillion, NE, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Was observed doing sharp pullups and recovery at low altitulde. Stalled and entered a spin to ground impact.

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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