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September 16, 2002 · Charles Maxted RV6 · N440CM

Bay Minette, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 16, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bay Minette, AL
Aircraft
Charles Maxted RV6
Tail Number
N440CM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA02LA169

The pilot stated that during a previous flight, the engine rpm decreased 150 to 175 rpm after switching fuel tanks. He elected to land at the Bay Minette Municipal Airport. While there, 5 gallons of 100 low lead fuel were added and he talked with a mechanic at the airport. He also performed an engine run-up and the engine sounded, "...OK. Not rough as before." He decided to depart intending to climb to 3,000 or 4,000 feet, remaining close to the airport, before deciding to continue to the initial intended destination airport. The engine ran OK until just after liftoff, when the engine began to run rough again. He aborted the takeoff, and landed uneventfully but was unable to stop the airplane on the runway. He intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid a fence and a 8-foot embankment. The pilot stated to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector-in-charge (FAA-IIC), that after landing at Bay Minette, he ran the engine which ran rough. Maintenance personnel at Bay Minette advised him that he had a bad right magneto, and repairs could be performed. He (pilot) again ran the engine reporting no magneto drop during the run. He elected to takeoff and continue to his original destination airport. Following recovery of the airplane, in the presence of the FAA-IIC, the engine was started but could only be operated to between 1,000 and 1,200 rpm due to damage to the engine mount. During the engine run, a magneto check was performed but a rpm decrease could not be detected. Examination of the right magneto revealed that the points were not opening resulting in an inoperative magneto.

NTSB Probable Cause

The intentional operation of the airplane with known deficiencies with the right magneto resulting in the partial loss of engine power during the initial climb.

Full Narrative

On September 16, 2002, about 1500 central daylight time, a homebuilt RV6, N440CM, registered to a private individual, experienced collapse of both main landing gears during an aborted takeoff from the Bay Minette Municipal Airport, Bay Minette, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that during a previous flight, the engine rpm decreased 150 to 175 rpm after switching fuel tanks. He elected to land at the Bay Minette Municipal Airport. While there, 5 gallons of 100 low lead fuel were added and he talked with a mechanic at the airport. He also performed an engine run-up and the engine sounded, "...OK. Not rough as before." He decided to depart intending to climb to 3,000 or 4,000 feet, remaining close to the airport, before deciding to continue to the initial intended destination airport. The engine ran OK until just after liftoff, where the engine began to run rough again. He aborted the takeoff, and landed uneventfully but was unable to stop the airplane on the runway. He intentionally ground looped the airplane to avoid a fence and a 8-foot embankment. The pilot stated to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector-in-charge (FAA-IIC), that after landing at Bay Minette, he ran the engine which ran rough. Maintenance personnel at Bay Minette advised him that he had a bad right magneto, and repairs could be performed. He (pilot) again ran the engine reporting no magneto drop during the run. He elected to takeoff and continue to his original destination airport. Following recovery of the airplane, in the presence of the FAA-IIC, the engine was started but could only be operated to between 1,000 and 1,200 rpm due to damage to the engine mount. During the engine run, a magneto check was performed but a rpm decrease could not be detected. Examination of the right magneto revealed that the points were not opening resulting in an inoperative magneto.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBay Minette Municipal (0nm)
Runway08
Runway Length4280 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCharles Maxted RV6
Tail NumberN440CM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 9 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data