What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-09-30 involved a Hancock MINI-MAX II, registration N2079A, at Chester, CT.

Homebuilt Aircraft Crashes During Initial Test Flight (N2079A)

On September 30, 1989, a Hancock MINI-MAX II (registration N2079A) was involved in an aviation accident near Chester, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the initial test flight while attempting to gain airspeed at low altitude, resulting in an inadvertent descent into trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A homebuilt aircraft crashed into trees during its initial test flight after the pilot leveled off at low altitude to gain airspeed, resulting in a fatal accident.

What happened

The pilot was conducting the initial test flight of a homebuilt aircraft. Following takeoff, the pilot executed a turn to establish a downwind leg and leveled the airplane at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level (AGL) with the intention of gaining airspeed. During this phase of flight, the aircraft settled into a cluster of trees.

A witness observed the accident sequence and reported that the airplane appeared to be climbing at a steep angle, which was unusual for their expectations. The witness noted that the engine noise was described as 'screaming' until the moment of impact with the terrain.

The investigation

This incident occurred during the pilot's first flight in this specific type of homebuilt aircraft. The operational context suggests the event took place during the critical early stages of testing a new or modified airframe configuration.

Findings

The accident was associated with the initial test flight phase. The witness account indicates an abnormal climb performance and high engine power setting immediately prior to the loss of controlled flight. The pilot's inexperience with this specific aircraft type may have been a contributing factor to the mishandling of the low-altitude maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the initial test flight while attempting to gain airspeed at low altitude, resulting in an inadvertent descent into trees.

1989-09-30: Hancock MINI-MAX II (N2079A) — Chester, CT