# NTSB SEA88LA072: Steen Skybolt GT-2, N76JJ, Saint John, WA, April 12, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 11, 1988, 17:40 local (Apr 12, 1988, 00:40 UTC)
- Place: Saint John, WA
- Coordinates: 47.100379, -117.639678 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.1004&lon=-117.6397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40799
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40799/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA072

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - initial climb
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER TKOF WITNESSES SAID THE ACFT DID A MANEUVER AT 50-60 FT AGL THAT INVOLVED A STEEP (90 DEGREE) BANKED TURN TO A SNAP ROLL. THE BIWING ACFT WAS CAPABLE OF AEROBATIC FLT AND THE PLT HAD DISCUSSED AEROBATIC ROLL MANEUVERS ON TKOF WITH THE ACFT CO-OWNER. THE CO-OWNER SAID THE ACFT WAS 'EASY TO SNAP ROLL.' HE THOUGHT THE PLT MIGHT HAVE BEEN TURNING TO AVOID A HOUSE, THEN WAS UNPREPARED TO RECOVER WHEN THE ACFT ROLLED. RECOVERY FROM THE MANEUVER WAS NOT COMPLETED. THE ACFT STRUCK THE GND RIGHT WING FIRST, CARTWHEELED, AND BURNED. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT, CONTROL MALFUNCTION, OR OBSTRUCTED FLT CONTROLS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N76JJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N76JJ-2013-10-28), registration cancelled 2013-10-28, S/N 1-1-75, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STEEN SKYBOLT GT-2 (SKYBOLT GT)
- Registry model: [Thuotte STEEN SKYBOLT GT-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/thuotte-steen-skybolt-gt-2) (registry code 05655A4) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1-1-75
- Airframe hours: 412
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David J. Nagel
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 29, 1987, 104 hours before
- Airport: 8WA7, Larmie Field, runway 20, 2,000 × 50 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; toxicology performed; flight hours: 874 total, 136 in this make and model, 831 as pilot in command, 58 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GEG, 30 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 19880411034999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880411034999A), Apr 11, 1988: Amtrsn SKYBOLT, St John, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Pilot made right turn immediately after liftoff. Wing tip hit ground and aircraft cartwheeled and caught fire.

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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