Plane Crash Reports 2003

2003 Plane Crash Report Result

Title: HACKNEY VANS RV-6A SINGLE ENGINE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE, N528DH, WAS

Report Date: 12/16

Plane Crash Problem: On December 14, 2003, at 1315 central standard time, a Hackney Vans RV-6A single engine homebuilt airplane, N528DH, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during a touch and go landing from runway 35 at the Panola County Airport (4F2), near Carthage, Texas. The flight instructor and the private pilot receiving instruction were fatally injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under instruction. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The local flight originated from Carthage about one hour prior to the accident. Witnesses at the airport reported that the owner of the airplane purchased the 2001 model airplane from the original builder 11 days prior to the accidents. Friends on the pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was for the new owner to get checked-out on his airplane. The dual control tricycle gear airplane was powered by a 4.3 Litter Chevrolet V-6 fuel injected engine using automotive fuel. Personnel at the airport reported that the flight departed 4F2 airport and proceeded to the local practice area for some upper airwork. The flight returned to the airport about an hour later as they had planned to stay in closed traffic to perform some touch and go landings. The flight reported on Unicom being established on the downwind for runway 35. Witnesses reported that following the approach, the airplane appeared to have touched down on runway 35. After full power was applied, the airplane was observed climbing thought 300 to 400 feet agl. The airplane then "stalled, the nose dropped to about 30 degrees below the horizon, and the airplane entered a right spin." The airplane subsequently impacted the ground in a nearly level attitude, bounced once and came to rest on a measured heading of 185 degrees, approximately 1,000 feet to the east of the centerline of runway 35. The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, reported that that fuel was available on both tanks. Flight control and engine control continuity was established at the accident site. There was no post-impact fire. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officer that first responded to the accident site, reported that the owner of the airplane was occupying the left seat of the airplane and both occupants were wearing their respective seat belts and shoulder harnesses. The East Texas Regional Airport (KGGG), near Longview, Texas, which is located 24.2 nautical miles southeast (115 degrees) of the accident site was the nearest weather reporting station. Their 1353 METAR reported winds from 150 degrees at 6 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 11 degrees Celsius, dew point 02 degrees Celsius, with an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of Mercury.

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