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October 9, 2002 · Madewell Eaa-Biplane-P · N21WL

Forest Lake, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 9, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Forest Lake, MN
Aircraft
Madewell Eaa-Biplane-P
Tail Number
N21WL
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA007

The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing to a swamp after a loss of engine power. The pilot reported he had been practicing power on and power off stalls north of the airport prior to returning to the airport. He over flew the airport about 1,575 feet agl to check for two aircraft that were in the traffic pattern. When he was southwest of the approach end of runway 13, he lost power to the engine and immediately turned right to land on runway 13. The pilot reported that he could not make the runway and executed a forced landing to a swamp. An inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A related factor was the swampy terrain.

Full Narrative

On October 9, 2002, at 1730 central daylight time, an amateur built Madewell EAA-Biplane-P, N21WL, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing to a swamp after a loss of engine power. The private pilot was not injured. The Title 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Forest Lake Airport (25D), Forest Lake, Minnesota, at 1705 on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported he had been practicing power on and power off stalls north of the airport. He returned to 25D and flew over the airport at 2,500 feet msl (1,575 feet agl) to check for two aircraft that were in the traffic pattern. He reported that when he was southwest of the approach end of runway 13 (2,650 feet by 150 feet, turf), he lost power to the engine and immediately turned right to land on runway 13. The pilot reported that he could not make the runway and executed a forced landing to a swamp. The pilot reported that he had switched the fuel selector from the 9 gallon fuel tank to the 12 gallon fuel tank about 7 miles prior to the loss of engine power. The pilot reported that during his preflight inspection, he did not sump the tanks individually for contamination, but he did sump the fuel scupper drain once to check for contamination. He reported that he had drained and fueled the 12 gallon tank with about 6 gallons of 100 LL Avgas twice about 2 weeks earlier when he purchased the airplane. He reported he had topped off the 12 gallon tank with 100 LL Avgas about two times since purchasing the airplane. A Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Inspector conducted a post-accident examination of the airplane. He reported the engine exhibited continuity and thumb compression. He reported, "The fuel line was wrapped with foam and aluminum speed tape to prevent vapor lock." The inspection of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CDT
Nearest AirportForest Lake (0nm NW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMadewell Eaa-Biplane-P
Tail NumberN21WL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-G · Reciprocating · 125
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 37 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time22:34
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data