| Crash location | Unknown |
| Nearest city | Portland, IN
40.434489°N, 84.977745°W |
| Tail number | N95RJ |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 12 Nov 1994 |
| Aircraft type | Lessel KR-2 |
| Additional details: | None |
On November 12, 1994, at 1145 eastern standard time, a KR-2 homebuilt, N95RJ, collided with the terrain following a loss of control during initial takeoff climb at the Portland Municipal Airport, Portland, Indiana. The local CFR 14 Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was destroyed and a post-impact fire ensued. The pilot was fatally injured. The local flight originated from Portland, Indiana.
A witness to the accident reported that the airplane landed on runway 27. He heard the engine go to "...full power with a couple of back fires... ." He stated the airplane was veering to the south (left) side of the runway and that the engine sounded normal at this time. According to this witness, as the airplane neared the south side of the runway it rotated and began a left turn. He stated the pitch increased to about 80 degrees nose up before the nose "fell over" and the airplane descended to impact.
The witness stated there was an explosion when the airplane impacted the terrain.
Post accident inspection of the wreckage was conducted by a Federal Aviation Inspector along with a KR-1 mechanic/builder who was familiar with the accident pilot and N95RJ. Control continuity for the ailerons and rudder was established. It was determined that the down elevator cable attachment had failed at the elevator attach point. The mechanic's report stated, "The up elevator cable was lying in place w/ the aluminum piece melted into the bolt & cable connections - the down elevator cable & connection was found to be forward of that position about 2 ft. The bolt & (lock) nut were still intact with the nylon melted out of the nut but clean of all residue (aluminum)."
A autopsy was conducted on November 12, 1994, at the request of the Jay County Coroner. Cause of death was listed a blunt force trauma to the head and fire. A toxicological examination conducted by the Civil Aviation Medical Institute stated that there were no drugs or alcohol found in the specimens examined.
the failure of the elevator control cable attach point and the pilot's subsequent inability to control the airplane.