JACKSONVILLE, FL, USA
N2CC
CLAPP KR-2
Witnesses observed the airplane use most of the runway for takeoff and 'stagger' into the air. The airplane stalled and collided with wooded terrain. This was the first flight in this airplane by both pilots. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that it exceeded the maximum allowable weight by 192 pounds and that both seats had been moved back two inches from the original design. No record of a preflight weight and balance computation was found.
On October 2, 1995, about 1545 eastern daylight time, N2CC, a Clapp KR-2 crashed after takeoff from Herlong Airport, in Jacksonville, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the planned local flight. The pilot and instructor pilot received serious injuries and the airplane was destroyed. There was an extensive postcrash fire. The flight was originating at the time. Witnesses observed the airplane use almost the total of 3,500 feet of runway 11 and "stagger" into the air. The airplane then stalled and crashed into trees. This was the first flight in this airplane by both pilots. A postaccident examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the plane was 192.3 pounds over maximum allowable weight. Both seats had been moved to the rear by 2 inches from the original design. The pilot did not perform a proper preflight plan. Multiple attempts to obtain an NTSB 6120.1/2 pilot/operator report from the pilot were unsuccessful.
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, failure to ensure proper weight and balance of the airplane, and failure to obtain or maintain sufficient airspeed during takeoff, which resulting in a stall and collision with wooded terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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