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March 12, 2006 · Eakle R Grandin Jr Talon XP · N97GE

Auburn, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 12, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Auburn, AL
Aircraft
Eakle R Grandin Jr Talon XP
Tail Number
N97GE
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL06LA051

The pilot stated to a friend before he was transported to a local area hospital that he departed from a grass strip at Auburn Alabama. The airplane climbed to about 200 feet and the engine began to lose power. The pilot made a 180-degree turn to the left in an attempt to return to the airport. The airplane stalled and collided with the ground in a nose down attitude. Examination of the fuel system by the builder, and an airframe & powerplant mechanic revealed that fuel was leaking from the inlet side of the fuel pump on the forward side of the engine-mounted pump. Further examination of the fuel system lines revealed that the flexible urethane fuel line was hardened and leaking where the line was attached over a male barb fitting and secured with a 1/8-inch plastic wire tie. Behind the tie was an additional .32 safety wire wrapping with the end secured with a ten-turn twist. According to the builder, the use of urethane lines while common among light planes has proven to those in the field to require frequent replacement due to the ultra violet exposure, the effects of aging, and the repetitive movement.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor was the improper maintenance inspection of the engine fuel lines resulting in loss of engine power due to a loose fuel line and subsequent fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On March 12, 2006, at 1705 central standard time, an experimental Talon XP, N97GE, registered to and operated by a private owner, as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the ground during climb out from a private airstrip in Auburn, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private rated pilot received serious injuries. The airplane received substantial. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The builder of the airplane, and a friend of the pilot stated,, he spoke to the pilot after the accident. The pilot stated that he departed on a 230 degrees heading from the grass strip at Auburn Alabama. The pilot stated after reaching an altitude of approximately 200 feet the engine began to lose power. The pilot stated he made a 180-degree turn to the left in an attempt to return to the airport, and the airplane stalled and collided with the ground in a nose-down attitude. The airport manager stated, he heard the experimental airplane take-off from the airport. Shortly after takeoff he heard the ballistic parachute system deploy. He did not see the accident. He went to the accident site, called emergency personnel, and assisted the pilot while they waited for emergency personnel to arrive. Examination of the fuel system by the builder, and an airframe & power plant mechanic revealed that fuel was leaking from the inlet side of the fuel pump on the forward side of the engine-mounted pump. Further examination of the fuel system lines revealed that the flexible urethane fuel line was hardened and leaking where the line was attached over a male barb fitting and secured with a 1/8-inch plastic wire tie. Behind the tie was an additional .32 safety wire wrapping with the end secured with a ten-turn twist. According to the builder, the use of urethane lines while common among light planes has proven to those in the field to require frequent replacement due to ultra violet light exposure, the effects of aging, and the repetitive movement.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:05 CST
Nearest AirportAuburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts (0nm)
Runway23
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEakle R Grandin Jr Talon XP
Tail NumberN97GE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 09050 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 5 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data