# NTSB NYC99LA211: Aeromot AMT-300, N111TE, Block Island, RI, August 25, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 25, 1999, 17:49 local (21:49 UTC) - Place: Block Island, RI - Location: 41.1918° N, 71.5745° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Block Island, RI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1918&lon=-71.5745&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report November 30, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 47208 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC99LA211 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47208/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA211 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot stated that, during takeoff, he was unable to clear trees at the end of the runway. He added that the normal takeoff distance for the powered glider was 800 feet. He did not know why the 2,501 foot long runway was not sufficient, but added that the engine was producing full power. He further stated that he should have aborted the takeoff. The pilot and passenger could not remember the position of the spoilers prior to takeoff. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector did not reveal the pre-impact position of the spoilers. The Inspector added that a large portion of the wreckage was consumed by fire. ## Factual narrative On August 25, 1999, about 1749 Eastern Daylight Time, an Aeromot AMT-300 (powered glider), N111TE, was destroyed during takeoff from Block Island State Airport (BID), Block Island, Rhode Island. The certificated private pilot sustained minor injuries, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, destined for Hartford-Brainard Airport, Hartford, Connecticut. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he completed a preflight inspection of the powered glider, performed a run-up, and departed Runway 28 at BID. During the takeoff, he was unable to clear trees at the end of the runway. He added that the normal takeoff distance for the powered glider was 800 feet. The pilot did not know why the 2,501 foot long runway was not sufficient, but said that the engine was producing full power. He further stated that in retrospect, he should have aborted the takeoff. When asked about the spoilers, the pilot stated that he sometimes used them during taxi. He had to back-taxi on Runway 28, but could not remember if he used the spoilers. When asked if he departed with the spoilers deployed, he stated that it was possible. The passenger was asked about the spoilers. She stated that, after the accident, she and the pilot discussed the possibility of departing with the spoilers deployed. They could not remember the position of the spoilers prior to takeoff. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The Inspector observed the left wing spoiler in the extended position, but could not determine the pre-impact position. The Inspector added that a large portion of the wreckage was consumed by fire. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N111TE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N111TE-2013-05-06), registration cancelled 2013-05-06, S/N 300.107 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aeromot AMT-300 - Registry model: [Aeromot AMT-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeromot-amt-300) (registry code 0160002) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Glider - Serial number: 300.107 - Airframe hours: 81 - Engines: Rotax 91L1-F3 115 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Edward K. Darcy - Registered owner: Tropicana Charters Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, July 20, 1999, 57 hours before - Departed: BID - Destination: HFD, HARTFORD, CT - Airport: BID, Block Island State Apt, runway 28, 2,501 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 412 total, 40 in this make and model, 345 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 34 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 190° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 64 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: BID ## 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 19990825042359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990825042359A), Aug 25, 1999: Aimm AMT300, Block Island, RI, Destroyed. T was d pilot stated that, during takeoff, he was unable to clear trees at the end of the runway. He added that the normal takeoff distance for the powered… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.