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NTSB Report
August 12, 1990 · Vaden SA102 Cavalier SA102 CAVA · N70JV
Tumwater, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 12, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Tumwater, WA
Aircraft
Vaden SA102 Cavalier SA102 CAVA
Tail Number
N70JV
Operator
Vaden James L
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA90LA162
SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF, THE EXPERIMENTAL HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO HAVE REACHED 150 FT AGL WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER. THE ENGINE REGAINED FULL POWER MOMENTARILY; HOWEVER, WHEN THE AIRPLANE BEGAN A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND QUIT. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED THE LEFT TURN WHICH INCREASED TO A SPIN. THE AIRPLANE THEN COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN A NOSE DOWN LEFT WING LOW ALTITUDE. DURING THE ENGINE EXAMINATION THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS. AIRPLANE DOCUMENTATION SUGGESTS THAT BOTH AN ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP AND AN ELECTRICAL AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP BE INSTALLED. THE PILOT HAD INSTALLED ONLY AN ELECTRIC FUEL BOOST PUMP.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING TAKEOFF FOLLOWING AN ENGINE LOSS OF POWER. THE REASON FOR THE LOSS OF POWER WAS NOT DETERMINED.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF, THE EXPERIMENTAL HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO HAVE REACHED 150 FT AGL WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER. THE ENGINE REGAINED FULL POWER MOMENTARILY; HOWEVER, WHEN THE AIRPLANE BEGAN A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND QUIT. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED THE LEFT TURN WHICH INCREASED TO A SPIN. THE AIRPLANE THEN COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN A NOSE DOWN LEFT WING LOW ALTITUDE. DURING THE ENGINE EXAMINATION THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS. AIRPLANE DOCUMENTATION SUGGESTS THAT BOTH AN ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP AND AN ELECTRICAL AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP BE INSTALLED. THE PILOT HAD INSTALLED ONLY AN ELECTRIC FUEL BOOST PUMP.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:10 PDT
Nearest AirportCricket Field (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length2640 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftVaden SA102 Cavalier SA102 CAVA
Tail NumberN70JV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorVaden James L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT