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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

March 13, 2002 · Tillman Long EZ · N126DT

Lockhart, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 13, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lockhart, TX
Aircraft
Tillman Long EZ
Tail Number
N126DT
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW02LA093

The airplane had not been flown in three weeks, and the pilot planned to fly the airplane around the traffic pattern. The pilot performed a preflight inspection, taxied the airplane to the runway, and then performed a "normal" engine run-up prior to takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, approximately 200 feet agl, the engine began to lose power. The pilot "switched tanks, checked the mixture, and jockeyed the throttle a couple of times," with no response from the engine. Unable to make the runway, the pilot initiated a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane struck a fence separating the right wing and right main landing gear. The pilot stated that the airplane contained approximately 20 gallons of fuel prior to takeoff. The FAA inspector and the pilot performed a field inspection on the engine. No anomalies with the engine or airframe were noted during the examination. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On March 12, 2002, at 1800 central standard time, a Tillman Long EZ homebuilt experimental airplane, N126DT, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb near Lockhart, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed the Lockhart Municipal Airport, Lockhart, at 1757. The pilot reported that he had not flown the airplane in approximately three weeks and planned to fly the airplane around the traffic pattern. The pilot performed a preflight inspection, taxied the airplane to runway 36, and then performed a "normal" engine run-up prior to takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, approximately 200 feet agl, the engine began to lose power. The pilot "switched tanks, checked the mixture, and jockeyed the throttle a couple of times," with no response from the engine. Unable to make the runway, the pilot initiated a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane struck a fence separating the right wing and right main landing gear. The pilot stated that the airplane contained approximately 20 gallons of fuel prior to takeoff. According to an FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, he and the pilot performed a field inspection on the engine. Both the magnetos produced spark at the spark plugs, valve train continuity was established, and the engine cylinders produced compression. The carburetor contained fuel, which was clean and free of contaminants. No anomalies with the engine or airframe were noted during the examination. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 CST
Nearest AirportLockhart Muni (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length4001 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTillman Long EZ
Tail NumberN126DT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data