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8 May 2018: DIVEN ROBERT NIEUPORT 17 NO SERIES — Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces, NM, United States

On 8 May 2018, a DIVEN ROBERT NIEUPORT 17 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to attain a positive climb rate after takeoff in high-density altitude conditions, which resulted in a collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During the first test flight of an experimental amateur-built tailwheel bi-plane, the aircraft yawed left on takeoff, failed to accelerate, and nosed over after colliding with rising terrain.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during the first test flight of an experimental amateur-built airplane. The aircraft was a tailwheel-equipped bi-plane. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to accomplish initial test flights.

During the takeoff roll, the airplane yawed to the left when the tail lifted. It became airborne but would not accelerate. The airplane remained in ground effect, then collided with rising terrain and subsequently nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, left main wing, and left sub-wing.

Weather Conditions

The METAR at the airport around the time of the accident reported wind from 04° at 4 knots, temperature 81°F, dew point 27°F, barometric pressure 30.12 inHg, and airport elevation 4,456 feet. Density altitude was calculated at 6,742 feet. The pilot used runway 8.

Contributing factors

PilotClimb capability — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

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