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NTSB Report
July 30, 1993 · North American AT-6 · N6617X
Matawan, NJ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 30, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Matawan, NJ
Aircraft
North American AT-6
Tail Number
N6617X
Operator
Bi-Plane Adventure Tours
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO93LA142
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PILOT STATED HE MADE A 180 DEGREE TURN BACK TOWARDS THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED AND THE TAILWIND, HE ELECTED TO LAND PARALLEL TO THE RUNWAY ON THE GRASS. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT GOING TO STOP PRIOR TO IMPACTING TREES LOCATED AT THE END OF THE GRASS SO HE GROUND LOOPED THE AIRPLANE. DURING THE GROUND LOOP, THE AIRPLANE'S LEFT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND DAMAGING THE SPAR AND LANDING GEAR. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE FRONT AND REAR IGNITION HARNESSES RENDERING THE NUMBER 4, 5, 6, AND 7 CYLINDER SPARK PLUGS INOPERATIVE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE WATER COLLECTION IN THE IGNITION HARNESS WHICH RENDERED THE LOWER CYLINDER SPARK PLUGS INOPERATIVE RESULTING IN PARTIAL POWER LOSS.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PILOT STATED HE MADE A 180 DEGREE TURN BACK TOWARDS THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED AND THE TAILWIND, HE ELECTED TO LAND PARALLEL TO THE RUNWAY ON THE GRASS. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT GOING TO STOP PRIOR TO IMPACTING TREES LOCATED AT THE END OF THE GRASS SO HE GROUND LOOPED THE AIRPLANE. DURING THE GROUND LOOP, THE AIRPLANE'S LEFT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND DAMAGING THE SPAR AND LANDING GEAR. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE FRONT AND REAR IGNITION HARNESSES RENDERING THE NUMBER 4, 5, 6, AND 7 CYLINDER SPARK PLUGS INOPERATIVE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 EDT
Nearest AirportMarlboro Airport (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length1500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftNorth American AT-6
Tail NumberN6617X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBi-Plane Adventure Tours
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340 AN-1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 9 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC