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July 29, 2005 · Scandinavian Aero Industry KZ VII · N159KZ

Elko, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 2005
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Elko, NV
Aircraft
Scandinavian Aero Industry KZ VII
Tail Number
N159KZ
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX05LA248

The airplane collided with a pole during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. Earlier during the flight the pilot had experienced carburetor ice while cruising, and he had successfully handled the situation by utilizing carburetor heat. Approaching the destination airport, the pilot initially used the carburetor heat, but turned it off while maneuvering for the landing. About 1/2-mile from the runway on short final approach, carburetor ice was encountered and the engine lost all power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat, which resulted in the formation of carburetor ice and the total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On July 29, 2005, about 1602 Pacific daylight time, a Scandinavian Aero Industry, KZ VII, N159KZ, lost all engine power on final approach to runway 23 at the Elko Regional Airport, Elko, Nevada. During the forced landing, the experimental airplane impacted a parking lot pole about 1/3-mile short of the approach end of the runway. Thereafter, the airplane impacted the ground in a nose down attitude and was substantially damaged. The pilot owned and operated the airplane. Both he and his passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot's last point of departure prior to the mishap was Wendover, Utah, about 1530 mountain standard time. According to air traffic control (ATC) tower personnel, the pilot entered the airport's class D airspace without a clearance and attempted to land on runway 23. The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that because of the turbulence and wind gusts he encountered, he was not able to land during his first approach, so he performed a go-around. While climbing into the traffic pattern, he established radio contact with ATC, and he received a landing clearance. The pilot did not report to ATC personnel that he had experienced any problem. On short final approach all engine power was lost, and the propeller stopped rotating. The pilot informed the Safety Board investigator that at the time the carburetor heat was not being used, but it should have been in the "on" position. The pilot stated that he believes carburetor ice was encountered. ATC personnel reported that about 2 minutes before the crash, the wind was from 230 degrees at 17 knots, with gusts to 22 knots. There were moderate intensity rain showers, and the temperature/dew point was 22/13 degrees Celsius. In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report" he stated, in pertinent part, that on July 29, he planned to fly from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Elko. En route, the pilot landed for fuel at Rock Springs, Wyoming. After departing Rock Springs the "engine lost power due to carburetor ice." The pilot stated that he made a precautionary landing at Fort Bridger, Wyoming. After landing he took off the engine cowl, drained and inspected the fuel tank, and dismantled the gascolator. No water or debris was found, and he resumed his flight toward Elko, with an interim landing at Wendover, Utah. About 30 minutes after departing Wendover, the carburetor built ice up again. The pilot reported that he was able to maintain altitude with carburetor heat on, and about 10 minutes later full engine power was restored. The pilot reported that the carburetor heat was on during his initial descent into Elko, but about 1/2-mile from the runway he pushed the carburetor heat control to the off position in case full engine power was needed for a go-around. According to the pilot, he maneuvered around the airport and the carburetor heat was both on and off. On final approach, with the heat in the off position, all engine power was lost, and he made a forced landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:02 PDT
Nearest AirportElko Regional (1nm)
Runway23
Runway Length7214 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftScandinavian Aero Industry KZ VII
Tail NumberN159KZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 17 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time23:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data