Pilot Debrief

DAY WILLIAM L MINICOUPE near Baltimore, MD — 2014-08-16

Final reportERA14CA408
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Date
2014-08-16
Location
Baltimore, MD, USA
Airport
MTN
Aircraft
DAY WILLIAM L MINICOUPE
Registration
N853WD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot/owner/builder's improper weight and balance calculations, which rendered the airplane uncontrollable in the pitch axis.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot/owner/builder of the airplane, he conducted taxi tests, and then a final engine run-up and flight control check prior to takeoff on the airplane's second flight. After rotation, the airplane reached approximately 3 feet above the runway when the nose dropped, and application of full up elevator had no effect. The airplane struck the runway nose first, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. This was the identical outcome as the first flight several months prior. An FAA inspector estimated that the builder had added about 63 pounds with his modifications to the original airplane plans. The pilot performed the weight and balance on the airplane using bathroom scales and stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. His NTSB Form 6120.1 Operator/Owner Safety Recommendation was: "Re-weigh aircraft with calibrated scales to determine weight and balance. Fix apparent nose heavy aircraft with appropriate movement of the battery or additional weight in the tail section."

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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