# NTSB SEA97LA084: Hutton Rand Robinson KR-2, N4GJ, Grants Pass, OR, April 6, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 6, 1997, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC) - Place: Grants Pass, OR - Coordinates: 42.399265, -123.569381 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3993&lon=-123.5694&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report October 14, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42583 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA97LA084 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42583/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA084 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions, his failure to maintain directional control on takeoff, and his failure to abort the takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident are gusty crosswinds. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb - terrain condition - high vegetation ## Analysis The solo student pilot decided to take off in a homebuilt airplane equipped with a tail wheel. Gusting crosswind conditions prevailed at the time of the takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne, veered off the runway, then settled onto the ground again. The pilot elected to continue the takeoff and the airplane impacted thick vegetation immediately after lifting off the ground the second time. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported. ## Factual narrative On April 6, 1997, about 1430 Pacific daylight time, N4GJ, a home built Hutton Rand Robinson KR-2 airplane, impacted trees during takeoff and was substantially damaged at Grants Pass, Oregon. The student pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The instructional flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to an FAA aviation safety inspector, the airplane veered off the runway and impacted vegetation immediately after lifting off at the Grants Pass Airport. The pilot and witnesses indicated that the airplane encountered strong cross winds during the takeoff. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported. In a written statement to the Safety Board (attached), the pilot stated: "On takeoff as the tail came up the craft became [airborne]. The craft then settled on the [ground], however off the runway. I attempted to continue the takeoff but did not realize I was on the back side of the power curve. I eventually hit a [manzanita] bush." The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident, and he stated "be [programmed] to [abort] takeoff" in the "Recommendation" section of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Form 6120.1/2 that he submitted (attached). ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4GJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4GJ-2018-01-19), registration cancelled 2018-01-19, S/N 1620, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Hutton Rand Robinson KR-2 - Registry model: [Hutton KR-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/hutton-kr-2) (registry code 05648F8) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 1620 - Airframe hours: 44 - Engines: Volkswagen VW-1865 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Hitt, Charles L. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Airport: 3S8, Grants Pass Airport, runway 30, 3,999 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 123 total, 38 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 8 knots, gusting 18 - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft overcast - Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: SXT, 6 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 19970406045369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970406045369A), Apr 6, 1997: Amtr KR2, Grants Pass, OR, Substantial damage. (.4) On April 6, 1997, about 1430 pacific daylight time, N4GJ, a home built hutton rand Robinson KR-2 airplane, impacted trees during takeoff and was… ## Other investigations on N4GJ (2) 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. - [NTSB SEA08LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA140), May 26, 2008: Hutton KR-2 (N4GJ), Roseburg, OR, substantial damage. Probable cause: A loss of engine power due to the pilot's modification of the induction system, and the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to a landing area following the power loss. - [NTSB SEA01LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA144), Jul 25, 2001: Hutton KR-2 (N4GJ), Roseburg, OR, substantial damage. Probable cause: A total loss of power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed while maneuvering to a forced landing at a nearby airport. Contributing factors were the 8 knot… 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.