# NTSB SEA87LA048: Michael D. Mansfield KR-2, N66996, Fallon, NV, January 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 25, 1987, 12:12 local (20:12 UTC)
- Place: Fallon, NV
- Coordinates: 39.499233, -118.290519 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4992&lon=-118.2905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 30, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40585
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40585/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA048

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE OWNER AND AN ACQUAINTANCE, BOTH COMMERICALLY RATED PILOTS, DEPARTED FALLON, NEVADA, ON A PERSONAL FLIGHT TO A NEARBY TOWN. WITNESSES REPORTED OBSERVING THE AIRCRAFT ENGAGED IN MANEUVERS DESCRIBED AS STEEP TURNS AND SHARP DIVES A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. DURING THESE MANEUVERS THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED INTO A STALL-SPIN CONDITION. THE LOW ALTITUDE OF THE SPIN ENTRY PREVENTED A SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. ALTHOUGH THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WERE ACCESSIBLE TO BOTH PILOTS IT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED WHICH PILOT ( OR WHETHER BOTH) WAS CONTROLLING THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE SPIN ENTRY. THE TYPE OF MANEUVERS AND THEIR DURATION WERE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE INDICATIVE OF A PILOT INCAPACITATION SCENARIO NOR WAS THERE ANY EVIDENCE OF A CONTROL DISCONTINUITY/MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N66996 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MICHAEL D. MANSFIELD KR-2
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 2366
- Engines: Volkswagen UNKNOWN 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard A. Holmes
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: FLX, FALLON, NV
- Destination: 043, YERINGTON, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 890 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: NFL

## 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 19870125000959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870125000959A), Jan 25, 1987: Amtr KR2, Fallon, NV, Destroyed, 2 fatal. The aircraft impacted the ground in an uncontrolled condition while performing aerobatics at a low altitude.

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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