Pilot Debrief

KOTH LARRY JABIRU CALYPSO near Mansfield, MA — 2011-12-30

Final reportERA12CA129
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Date
2011-12-30
Location
Mansfield, MA, USA
Airport
1B9
Aircraft
KOTH LARRY JABIRU CALYPSO
Registration
N344MK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s not closing the throttle upon landing and his improper adjustment of the airplane’s brakes.

NTSB narrative

The pilot/owner was practicing takeoffs and landings in the recently certificated experimental amateur-built airplane. After completing an adjustment of the left wing to control a rolling tendency, as well as multiple adjustments to the hand-operated brakes, the pilot performed a short flight over the runway and landed about 400 feet beyond the point of takeoff. The airplane touched down about 55 knots airspeed, and the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane veered, did not slow, and departed the left side of the runway. The airplane continued about 900 feet after touchdown before it collided with terrain and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. After the accident, the pilot could not recall if he had reduced the throttle upon landing. Examination of the cockpit revealed that the flight controls, engine controls, and the hand-operated brake control were of a nonstandard configuration, and all had matching red handles. It was also noted that application of the brakes required the pilot to release the control stick. Examination of the braking system revealed binding of the left brake caliper and disk, missing washers from the right brake caliper, distortion of the left and right inner lining plates over the piston of each brake assembly, and compression of the return springs. Other than the known wing and brake anomalies, the pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured throttle was reduced before landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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