# NTSB NYC89DHM03: Vangorden KR-2, N3774G, Allaire, NJ, October 12, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: October 12, 1988, 09:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Allaire, NJ
- Location: 40.1584° N, 74.1254° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Allaire, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1584&lon=-74.1254&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 15, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36243
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89DHM03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36243/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89DHM03

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, unknown
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - encountered, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT WAS BEING FLOWN ON ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED.  A WITNESS STATED THAT HE OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT 'SWIRLING DOWN LIKE A BIRD WITH A BROKEN WING.'  ACCORDING TO HIM, THE AIRCRAFT WAS INTACT WITH NO EVIDENCE OF SMOKE BEFORE IT CRASHED.  SUBSEQUENTLY, IT IMPACTED IN A NOSE DOWN, LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE, THEN BURST INTO FLAMES.  THE MAJORITY OF THE WRECKAGE CAME TO REST IN A 20 FT RADIUS.  THE PROPELLER BLADES WERE SPLINTERED & CHIPPED, AS IF THE ENGINE WAS PROVIDING AT LEAST PARTIAL POWER BEFORE IMPACT. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION/FAILURE OF THE AIRCRAFT WAS FOUND.  THE 72 YEAR OLD PILOT HAD LITTLE OR NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THIS MAKE & MODEL OF AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3774G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3774G-2013-06-04), registration cancelled 2013-06-04, S/N 1295, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: VANGORDEN KR-2
- Registry model: [Vangorden Harry J KR-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/vangorden-harry-j-kr-2) (registry code 05648EJ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1295
- Engines: unknown 60-2 60 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Harry J. Vangorden
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 23, 1988, 10 hours before
- Departed: BLM, ALLAIRE, NJ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 72; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 13 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: NEL, 17 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 19881012046279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881012046279A), Oct 12, 1988: Amtr KR2, Wall Township, NJ, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Homebuilt was observed spinning to ground on its first test flight. Appears a stall spin accident. Aircraft burned

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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