DIVEN ROBERT NIEUPORT 17
Las Cruces, NM — May 8, 2018
Event Information
| Date | May 8, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA266 |
| Event ID | 20180508X71947 |
| Location | Las Cruces, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.28944, -106.92194 |
| Airport | LAS CRUCES INTL |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | DIVEN ROBERT |
| Model | NIEUPORT 17 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to attain a positive climb rate after takeoff in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped bi-plane, the purpose of the flight was to accomplish the first test flight of the experimental amateur-built airplane. During the takeoff roll the airplane yawed to the left when the tail lifted. He reported that the airplane became airborne but would not accelerate. The airplane remained in ground effect, collided with rising terrain, and subsequently nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and the left main and sub-wings.
The METAR at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 04° at 4 knots. The temperature was 81°F and the dew point was 27°F. The barometric setting was 30.12Hg and the airport elevation was 4,456ft. The density altitude was 6,742ft. The pilot used runway 8.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.