SEA96LA090

A witness reported that, shortly after takeoff, the airplane attained an altitude of approximately 250 feet when the airplane 'stalled' and rolled to the left. The nose of the airplane dropped and the airplane collided with the terrain in a steep descent. The witness stated that the engine appeared to be running at impact, and there were no unusual engine sounds. The student pilot was reported to have recently purchased the airplane, and except for a one hour dual instructional flight in a Cessna 150, the pilot had not flown for approximately 40 years prior to the accident.

On May 5, 1996, at 1330 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Miller MA-5 Charger, N36CM, registered to and operated by a student pilot, collided with the ground shortly after takeoff from Vista Field, Kennewick, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was seriously injured.

A personal friend to the pilot witnessed the accident and reported that the pilot had recently purchased the airplane. The friend also reported that the pilot had not flown for several years (approximately 40 years) prior to the purchase of the airplane, and that he (the pilot) did not hold a pilot's certificate. The friend reported that the airplane took off on runway 20, and that the takeoff and climb out were "shaky." The friend stated that the airplane attained an altitude of approximately 250 feet, when it "stalled" and rolled to the left. The nose of the airplane dropped and the airplane collided with the airport perimeter fence in a near vertical attitude. The friend reported that "the engine appeared to be running at impact. No unusual engine sounds were heard." The friend continued to add that the pilot had flown with an instructor in a Cessna 150 for about one hour a few days before the accident.

Federal Aviation Administration records indicate that the student pilot's last medical certificate was a third class medical dated 9/22/95. At that time, the student pilot did not report any total flight hours. The medical certificate prior to the 9/22/95 certificate was dated 4/27/92. At this time, the student pilot reported a total flight time of 20 hours, with zero hours in the previous six months.

The student pilot has not responded to requests made by the National Transportation Safety Board to complete the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, Form 6120.1/2.