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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 23, 1994 · Inman ACRO Sport 1 ACRO Sport · N869M

Albert Lea, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Albert Lea, MN
Aircraft
Inman ACRO Sport 1 ACRO Sport
Tail Number
N869M
Operator
John C Willkomm
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA243

Immediately after takeoff, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot stopped the climb and leveled the airplane at approximately 150 feet above the ground and 1200 feet down the runway. He continued to fly the entire length of the runway. At the end of the runway, the pilot made a left turn in an attempt to make emergency landing. At approximately 75 feet above ground level, the airplane's nose pitched down slightly, the sink rate increased, and the right wing dropped slightly. Postaccident inspection revealed the number three fuel injector was plugged with a small amount of an unidentified matter.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to make a precautionary landing on the remaining runway. Factors in the accident were the blocked fuel injector and inadvertent stall.

Full Narrative

On July 23, 1994, at 1530 central daylight time, an Acro Sport, N869M, sustained substantial damage when it made a hard landing after losing engine power immediately after taking off from Albert Lea Municipal Airport, Albert Lea, Minnesota. The private pilot, who was participating in an acrobatic competition at the time of the accident, received serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions. According to one witness, N869M departed runway 34 (4501' x 100') and leveled off approximately 150 feet above the ground and 1200 feet down the runway. At the same time that the airplane leveled off, the witness states he heard a reduction in engine power. When the airplane reached the end of runway 34, he observed the airplane make a steep to medium bank to the left. The witness did not see the airplane impact the ground, but does state that he did not hear any backfiring. The airplane was at reduced power, and stayed at the same RPM the entire time that he was able to hear the engine. A second witness first noticed the airplane shortly after takeoff, level at approximately 150 feet above the ground and operating at reduced power. The witness states that the pilot had approximately 2600 feet of runway remaining at the time when he leveled off. He states there was no indication of a rough running engine or any visible smoke. The witness states he expected the airplane to land on the remaining runway, but the airplane continued. He then states that the pilot initiated a left turn while maintaining altitude. At the conclusion of the turn, at approximately 75 feet above the ground, the witness observed the airplane's nose pitch down slightly, the sink rate increased dramatically, and the right wing dropped slightly. The aircraft impacted the ground in a 15 degrees nose down attitude. The witness states there was no change in engine sound throughout the occurrence. A postaccident inspection of the engine revealed the number three fuel injector was plugged with a small amount of an unidentified matter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest AirportAlbert Lee Municipal (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length4501 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftInman ACRO Sport 1 ACRO Sport
Tail NumberN869M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn C Willkomm
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data