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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 5, 1993 · Taylorcraft L2B · N3113S

Friedenberg, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Friedenberg, MN
Aircraft
Taylorcraft L2B
Tail Number
N3113S
Operator
Russell R Johnson
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI93LA309

THE PILOT REPORTED HE HAD PERFORMED MAINTENANCE ON THE AIRPLANE THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. DURING THE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY HE STATED HIS SHOULDER HAD BRUSHED AGAINST THE HEADER FUEL TANK FUEL SUPPLY VALVE. HE STATED HE DID NOT BELIEVE IT WAS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THE VALVE'S COCKPIT CONTROL HAD A '...LITTLE PLAY IN IT.' SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING TWICE. AFTER THE SECOND STOPPAGE, THE PILOT DECIDED TO SHUT THE MAGNETOS OFF AND PERFORM A FORCED LANDING INTO A SWAMP.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's decision to fly the airplane with know deficiencies which resulted in a restricted fuel flow to the engine.

Full Narrative

On August 5, 1993, at 0815 central daylight time (CDT), a Taylorcraft L2B, N3113S, registered to Russell R. Johnson of Duluth, Minnesota, and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and swampy terrain during a forced landing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating under a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries. The flight originated from a restricted landing area near Friedenberg, Minnesota, at 0810 CDT. The pilot stated he performed a run-up and began the takeoff shortly thereafter. Once the airplane was approximately five feet above the runway, in level flight, the engine stopped running for a short time according to the pilot. The engine began to run at what the pilot referred to as takeoff power while flying down the runway. He said the burst of power was enough to get the airplane over the trees. As the airplane was passing over the trees, the pilot said the engine stopped running a second time. He said he decided to land in the swamp because there were trees all around him. During the descent into the swamp, the pilot stated the airplane's right wing tip struck a tree causing the airplane to nose over into the swamp. The pilot reported the right wing spar was broken at the fuselage attach fitting, the right rear wing strut was bent, right wing tip bow was bent, and the right landing gear had crushed. The pilot's written statement included with NTSB Form 6120.1/2 revealed the airplane's engine had "...stalled..." after approximately 10 to 15 seconds of flight following takeoff. The pilot stated the engine had "...another burst of full power near the end of runway @ 30' above trees at this point." After the engine power loss, the pilot stated he shut the magnetos off and planned for a forced landing in the swamp. During an interview with the pilot it was revealed he had performed maintenance on the airplane the day before the accident. He stated he had installed insulation under the fuselage header fuel tank. During this activity, he stated his shoulder brushed against the header tank fuel valve. He said he did not believe it was enough to cause any problems since the valve's cockpit control had a "...little play in it."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft L2B
Tail NumberN3113S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRussell R Johnson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 45 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data