LAX94LA064

was the pilot's improper handling of the airplane, and his failure to maintain control during his first attempted takeoff. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadvertent porpoising on the runway, and his lack of familiarity with the airplane's flight characteristics.

The pilot built the airplane, performed taxi tests, and then attempted flight. During his first takeoff, the airplane climbed 15 feet above the runway. The pilot reduced and reapplied engine power. The airplane bounced three times on the runway before the pilot lost total control and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported that he had no previous flying experience in the model airplane, and his last bfr had been accomplished about 33 months prior to the accident flight.

On December 3, 1993, at 1540 mountain standard time, a homebuilt experimental Braegger GL Nieuport 17, N124DK, operated by its builder, crashed during an attempted takeoff from the Chandler Municipal Airport, Chandler, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight. The experimental airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the mishap. According to the pilot, he had recently completed building the airplane and the accident occurred during his first attempted takeoff. The pilot stated all systems functioned normally and he gained about 15 feet of altitude. The pilot reported that he reduced engine power and then reapplied power. The main wheels bounced three times on the runway and then the airplane nosed over. The pilot's last biennial flight review was accomplished in March of 1991. The pilot's previous experience in the accident airplane had been accomplished during taxi tests. The Federal Aviation Administration's coordinator verbally reported that his examination of the airplane's controls revealed they had continuity. No mechanical malfunctions were noted. -