Ultralight aircraft accidents, experimental aircraft accidents, light sport aircraft accident reports - 10

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Accident occurred SEP-03-95 at CEDAR SPRINGS, MI
Aircraft: PATIN CHALLENGER II, registration: N4281D
Injuries: 1 Serious.

WITNESSES STATED THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE'S ENGINE BEGAN SPUTTERING DURING ITS INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF AND THE AIRPLANE CIRCLED BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT FOR A LANDING. DURING ITS APPROACH THE AIRPLANE'S TAIL WHEEL STRUCK A POWER LINE AND THE AIRPLANE PITCHED DOWN AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED CONTROL CABLE CONTINUITY WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE CONTROL SURFACES, AND FOUR FOULED SPARK PLUGS, TWO THAT HAD NO VISIBLE ELECTRODE GAP. THE PILOT SAID THE PLUGS DIDN'T HAVE TO BE CLEANED OR CHANGED UNTIL THEY OPERATED FOR 50 HOURS. THE PILOT SAID THE PLUGS HAD BEEN USED ABOUT 50 HOURS. AN ENGINE MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE SAID THE PLUGS NEED TO BE CHANGED AFTER 25 HOURS OF ENGINE RUNNING TIME. THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THE ENGINE MUST BE DECARBONIZED AFTER 50 HOURS OF OPERATION. THE PROCEDURE IS TO INSPECT THE ENGINE AFTER DISMANTLING THE CYLINDERS, HEADS, AND PISTONS. THE OWNER/PILOT SAID HE CHECKED FOR CARBONIZATION BY LOOKING IN THE EXHAUST PORT. THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THIS IS NOT THE CORRECT PROCEDURE.
Probable Cause
inadequate engine maintenance by the owner/pilot-mechanic. Factors associated with the accident were fouled spark plugs and the pilot not being able to maintain proper altitude/clearance between his airplane and the electrical power lines during his landing approach.

Accident occurred SEP-02-95 at TEKAMAH, NE
Aircraft: KEVIN NASER RENEGADE SPIRIT, registration: N494KN
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE SECOND TEST FLIGHT OF N494KN. HE FLEW FOR ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES DOING CONTROL CHECKS BEFORE RETURNING TO TEKAMAH AIRPORT. WHEN HE TURNED ON THE BASE LEG FOR A FULL STOP LANDING, THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN STOPPED. HE TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. HE REPORTED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE RUNWAY AND MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING TO A FIELD. THE AIRPLANE HIT A FENCE CAUSING IT TO NOSE OVER. AN INSPECTION CHECK OF THE AIRPLANE'S SYSTEMS WAS CONDUCTED ON THE FLIGHT CONTROLS, ENGINE CONTROLS, IGNITION SYSTEM, COOLING SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALL SYSTEMS APPEARED TO BE OPERATIONAL. A SECOND INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE IF THE ENGINE WOULD RUN. AFTER THE STARTER WAS REPLACED AND THE WIRING TO THE MAIN FUEL PUMP WAS REPAIRED, THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND IT RAN SMOOTHLY.
Probable Cause
the reason for the loss of engine power was undetermined.

Accident occurred OCT-02-95 at NEWTON, NH
Aircraft: CHENEY AVID FLYER, registration: N29GC
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB, ABOUT 200 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL, THE ENGINE LOST TOTAL POWER. THE PILOT PERFORMED A FORCED LANDING, DURING WHICH THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND POWER LINES. THE FAA INSPECTOR STATED THAT DURING THE POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION, THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY TEST RUN; HOWEVER, "INSPECTION REVEALED EVIDENCE OF SCORING AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF GALLING ON THE FORWARD CYLINDER ONLY."
Probable Cause
The seizure of a piston during the takeoff climb, resulting in a loss of engine power, forced landing, and subsequent collision with trees.

Accident occurred OCT-07-95 at COBBS CREEK, VA
Aircraft: MADSEN/RANS RANS S12 AIRAILE, registration: N43364
Injuries: 2 Minor.

The pilot stated that the ultralight airplane's performance appeared normal during the ground roll, liftoff and initial climb. When the airplane was approximately 130 above the ground, the engine suddenly stopped. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane to attain the best glide speed, and made a forced landing in a field. The airplane struck a tree approximately 40 feet above ground level. Post accident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction; however, the spark plug electrodes had a dried deposit on them. The spark plugs were cleaned and reinstalled, and the engine was satisfactorily test run.
Probable Cause
loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Accident occurred OCT-11-95 at NEENAH, WI
Aircraft: ROISUM TEAM MINI-MAX, registration: N42BX
Injuries: 1 Minor.

THE PILOT REPORTED HE WAS CRUISING AT 2000 FEET WHEN THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED DURING AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING. AN INVESTIGATION FOUND A FUEL FILTER RETAINING NUT ON THE AUTOMOTIVE TYPE FUEL FILTER HAD ROTATED CAUSING THE FUEL INLET HOLES TO BECOME BLOCKED. THE AUTOMOTIVE TYPE FUEL FILTER WAS PURCHASED BY THE AIRCRAFT OWNER FROM A HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT PART SUPPLIER.
Probable Cause
Fuel starvation due to fuel filter blockage. Factors associated with the accident were the manufacturers design of the fuel filter and the builder/pilots decision to use an automotive type fuel filter.

Accident occurred OCT-10-95 at SEMINOLE, TX
Aircraft: ADAMS KITFOX, registration: N287WA
Injuries: 1 Minor.

During the landing roll, the pilot applied right rudder and then right brake to correct a "slight" left turn. He did not "realize tail was up so high." The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Probable Cause
the pilot's excessive braking.

Accident occurred NOV-13-95 at PLANT CITY, FL
Aircraft: RANS S-12, registration: ONE
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

The non-rated pilot and a passenger in an unregistered airplane crashed during takeoff. Witnesses heard the engine running until impact. The airplane was found where it had impacted in a nose down attitude. Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failure or malfunction.
Probable Cause
failure of the non-certificated pilot (unqualified person) to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.

Accident occurred NOV-20-95 at PASADENA, MD
Aircraft: SELLORS KITFOX IV, registration: N86548
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS HIGH ON HIS FIRST APPROACH TO THE 1,700 FOOT LONG GRASS RUNWAY, SO HE PERFORMED A GO-AROUND. HE REPORTED THAT THE SECOND ATTEMPT WAS GOOD, BUT DURING THE LANDING FLARE, THE AIRPLANE FLOATED, AND TOUCHED DOWN ABOUT MIDFIELD ON THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED "...I APPLIED BRAKES, BEING MINDFUL OF THE TREES AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY...THE PLANE NOSED OVER AND FLIPPED ON ITS BACK." ALSO, THE PILOT REPORTED 21.9 HOURS OF FLIGHT TIME IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRPLANE, OF WHICH ONLY ABOUT 1 HOUR WAS AS PILOT-IN-COMMAND.
Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER (ABRUPT) APPLICATION OF BRAKES DURING THE LANDING ROLL. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT DURING THE LANDING, AND HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRPLANE.

Accident occurred DEC-16-95 at NEWBERRY, FL
Aircraft: OTIS KING COBRA-B, registration: N102DJ
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

Witnesses observed the airplane start a turn towards the north and then to the west over a state road. The airplane then turned towards the east, banked to the right, the nose pitch down, and the airplane crashed. The engine appeared to be running until the airplane collided with the ground. Visual examination of the airframe, engine assembly and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash failure or malfunction. Continuity of the flight control system was confirmed for pitch and roll. The right rudder cable was attached to the rudder. The left rudder cable was not attached. The attach point and retainer pin were in place; however, the clevis pin safety ring was missing and later found by a recovery crew. Safety Board metallurgical examination of the safety ring revealed features indicative that it was cut.
Probable Cause
an in-flight loss of control for undetermined reasons.

Accident occurred FEB-15-96 at PAHOKEE, FL
Aircraft: MCRAE TITAN ACFT TORNADO, registration: N6234X
Injuries: 2 Fatal.

Witnesses in the area stated that the aircraft was observed to be practicing maneuvers at about 1000 feet above the terrain. The aircraft appeared to stall and enter a spin prior to impacting the terrain. Examination of the aircraft, engine, and related components revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.
Probable Cause
the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering.

Accident occurred MAR-14-96 at SALUDA, VA
Aircraft: KITFOX IV-1200, registration: N32495
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 Uninjured.

The pilot stated that there was a partial loss of engine power shortly after the airplane lifted off. The airplane would not climb, so he elected to land on the remaining runway. In his attempt to avoid lights at the end of the runway, the pilot stalled the airplane approximately ten feet above the surface. The airplane impacted the runway in a steep nose down attitude, then "...rolled over onto it's back." Postaccident investigation revealed that the #1 spark plug failed an electrical function test. The pilot stated that the spark plug operated normally under low load conditions, but "...[stopped] under full load."
Probable Cause
a partial loss of engine power due to spark plug failure, and the pilot's evasive maneuver to avoid lights at the end of the runway.

Accident occurred FEB-09-96 at GRANTSVILLE, UT
Aircraft: MADORIN KITFOX III, registration: N32308
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

While in a climb over the south end of the Great Salt Lake, the engine oil temperature reached the upper limit (red line). The pilot reduced power and monitored the oil temperature while proceeding to the southwest shoreline of the lake. After passing over the shoreline, the pilot started looking for a place where he could land to investigate the cause of the problem. He elected to land in an open snow-covered field, which had snow that he estimated was 1 to 3 inches deep. After a successful touchdown, the aircraft rolled about 60 feet, and then flipped over in the snow. After the accident, the pilot determined that the snow was actually 6 to 8 inches deep.
Probable Cause
the pilot's selection of an unsuitable area for a precautionary landing. A factor was the snow covered terrain.

Accident occurred MAY-05-96 at TALKEETNA, AK
Aircraft: GILLESPIE CHALLENGER 2, registration: N1591G
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

The pilot was in cruise flight on a personal flight when he noted a rise in the rear cylinder head temperature of the number two (rear) cylinder. He adjusted the mixture screw and watched the temperature continue to rise. During a precautionary landing, the engine stopped producing power, and the pilot was forced to land the airplane on a road. Subsequent examination showed that the piston in the rear cylinder would not move. Examination of the mixture screws showed that the mixture screw controlling the rear cylinder was in the lean position. The direction on rotation for leaning or enriching the mixture was not marked on the mixture screws.
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to properly use the mixture control to enrich the fuel mixture, and the seizure of the piston in the cylinder.

Accident occurred APR-06-96 at SALEM, OR
Aircraft: SPORT FLIGHT TALON, registration: NONE
Injuries: 1 Minor.

The non-certificated pilot, who was flying an unregistered homebuilt aircraft, experienced a complete power loss during the climb after departure. He successfully maneuvered the aircraft to an open field for an emergency landing; however, as he began the landing flare, he allowed the airspeed to get low. The aircraft then stall/mushed into the terrain with enough force to result in substantial damage to the airframe. After the accident, no reason for the power loss could be found, and the engine operated successfully during a test run. The aircraft was similar to an ultralight, but its empty weight and fuel capacity exceeded the limits for it to be classified as an ultralight.
Probable Cause
loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to properly flare the aircraft during the emergency landing.

Accident occurred JAN-27-96 at OMAHA, NE
Aircraft: CONNELL KITFOX, registration: N99SV
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

During landing the airplane veered left and could not be corrected. The airplane then impacted a snowbank on the side of the runway and nosed over. The left wheel fairing was found completely packed with snow. Once the snow was removed the wheel rotated freely. The pilot stated that the snow apparently had accumulated in the wheel fairing when he taxied through snow drifts earlier prior to departing the North Omaha airport for Denison. While landing at Denison, the airplane had pulled to the right. During the return trip to the North Omaha airport, the pilot realized that his left brake was probably frozen, and decided to divert to the Eppley Airfield because of the wider runway there.
Probable Cause
the pilot's inadequate preflight of the aircraft and the frozen left landing gear wheel.

Accident occurred MAY-26-96 at BRIDGEPORT, AL
Aircraft: Sky Star KITFOX #1, registration: N7030G
Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor.

The pilot stated that the engine lost power during cruise flight. He then attempted a forced landing. During the forced landing, the right wing collided with a tree, and the airplane was damaged. No reason was found for the loss of engine power.
Probable Cause
loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). Trees in the emergency landing area were a related factor.

Accident occurred JUL-17-96 at TENAKEE SPRINGS, AK
Aircraft: Horton AVID FLYER MK IV, registration: N3XP
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

The pilot was landing on a remote lake in a float-equipped homebuilt airplane toward the east in calm wind conditions. After touchdown, the pilot retracted the flaperons, slowed to about 20 miles per hour, and was settling off the float step. A gust of wind struck the left side of the airplane and tilted the right wing down. The right wingtip contacted the water and the airplane rolled up onto the front of the right float assembly. The airplane then nosed over.
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Gusty winds were a factor in the accident.

Accident occurred JUN-01-96 at INDEPENDENCE, OR
Aircraft: Stelly KOLB FIRESTAR II, registration: N2213U
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

The pilot reported that just after takeoff, at an altitude of 40 to 50 feet above ground level, and at an indicated airspeed of 35 MPH, "the nose and left wing pitched up and started to roll to the right." The pilot attempted to counteract with "forward left stick." He stated that the nose then lowered, but the right roll continued. The aircraft impacted the ground right wing first. Information supplied with the pilot's accident report listed the airplane's maximum gross weight as 725 pounds and its stall speed as 30 MPH. The pilot supplied a gross weight computation with his accident report, indicating an actual aircraft gross weight of 727 pounds before takeoff. The pilot used a pilot weight for this computation which was 12 pounds lower than the weight given on his FAA medical certificate. The pilot indicated on his accident report that no mechanical malfunction or failure was involved.
Probable Cause
failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. The aircraft's excessive gross weight was a related factor.

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