STRCASB Identification: STT003F014 .
 

STRCASB Identification: STT003F014 . The docket is stored on visioneer_one's ancient Powerbook http://home.earthlink.net/~dojbofh/i...mile/macos.gif

Accident occurred : Sunday, March 31, 2003 at ST. THOMAS, VI
Aircraft : GSP P-47
Engine : OS Surpass .70
Pilot: "Jens"
Injuries: multiple, nonfatal.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On March 31, at approximately 1520 Atlantic standard time, a GSP P-47 nonregistered homebuilt airplane, was damaged following impact with terrain in St. Thomas, VI. The private pilot was not injured. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 103. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated from Simón Pierre Field approximately 3 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.

During a WOT upwind pass the engine suddenly began sputtering and lost power. The pilot declared mayday to Simón Pierre TWR, turned downwind while attempting to maintain altitude, then turned for a short final approach. The flight terminated short of the field upon impact with an earth berm W of the runway. Subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed a cracked fuselage, damaged wingtip and broken right landing gear strut.

Addendum : The right gear strut had been repaired by welding the broken ends together twice before. Ref: STT003F013.

The St. Thomas R/C Association Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

INCORRECT CARBURETOR SETTINGS - TOO RICH
AIRSPEED.. NOT MAINTAINED.. PILOT IN COMMAND
PROPER GLIDEPATH.. NOT ATTAINED.. PILOT IN COMMANDD

STRCASB Identification: STT003F014 .
 

Note the strategically-placed rocks and pole.

Good thing the plane missed the pile of cow-flop :)

STRCASB Identification: STT003F014 .
 

We think the plane hit the ground nose-low and rolled/slid into its current position. Can't be 100% sure as the berm at the end of the field is tall enough that it blocked the view of the impact.

Two more feet and he'd have cleared it!