Summary
On February 10, 1994, a Gansheimer EVANS VP2 (N187ES) was involved in an incident near Tucson, AZ. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to attain and maintain sufficient flying speed during the first flight test of his experimental homebuilt. A factor in the accident was the pilot's selection of a propeller inadequate for the airframe and engine combination.
On February 10, 1994, at 1113 mountain standard time, a homebuilt experimental Gansheimer Evans VP2 airplane, N187ES, experienced a thrust deficiency in the takeoff initial climb from runway 6L at Ryan Field, Tucson, Arizona. The aircraft subsequently stalled and mushed into the ground about 300 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The aircraft was on the first test flight following construction completion and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in the experimental category. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX94LA118. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N187ES.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's failure to attain and maintain sufficient flying speed during the first flight test of his experimental homebuilt. A factor in the accident was the pilot's selection of a propeller inadequate for the airframe and engine combination.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On February 10, 1994, at 1113 mountain standard time, a homebuilt experimental Gansheimer Evans VP2 airplane, N187ES, experienced a thrust deficiency in the takeoff initial climb from runway 6L at Ryan Field, Tucson, Arizona. The aircraft subsequently stalled and mushed into the ground about 300 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The aircraft was on the first test flight following construction completion and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in the experimental category. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the mishap as a local area test flight.
The pilot reported that the takeoff seemed fine until the aircraft got out of ground effect. The aircraft began oscillating in roll and did not want to climb. The pilot noted that the engine was producing full power throughout the sequence. According to the pilot, the aircraft "mushed back to the ground at 500 feet per minute" and impacted the ground in a slight nose- high attitude about 300 feet off the end of the runway.
The pilot said he believes the roll oscillation was caused by an impending stall buffet and the lack of thrust was due to the propeller being of insufficient size.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX94LA118