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August 22, 2006 · Kinnson Lancair IV-P Turbine · N514PT

Helena, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 22, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Helena, MT
Aircraft
Kinnson Lancair IV-P Turbine
Tail Number
N514PT
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA06LA167

According to the pilot, after flying the turbine-powered amateur-built experimental airplane in the local area for about 40 minutes, he returned to the airport to practice some takeoffs and landings. After completing the first landing, he departed and was climbing out with the landing gear and flaps retracted when he "noticed flames coming out of the right side exhaust stack." The engine lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing in a field. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted irrigation ditches and a fence. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported that the right wing spar was broken. He further reported observing dents in the exhaust stacks that appeared to be from turbine blade material breaking off the turbine wheels and exiting the engine. The inspector oversaw a read out of engine parameters stored in avionics equipment installed in the airplane. According to the inspector, the data revealed "over temp and over torque of the engine for in excess of 60 seconds." The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by having equipment installed in the airplane that would prevent turbine overtemperature by automatically limiting the fuel flow to the turbine.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power as a result of turbine over temperature due to the pilot's failure to follow proper procedures for engine operation. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the ensuing forced landing.

Full Narrative

On August 22, 2006, about 1715 mountain daylight time, a Kinnson Lancair IV-P Turbine amateur-built experimental airplane, N514PT, sustained substantial damage when it struck a fence and terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power about 2 miles north of the Helena Regional Airport, Helena, Montana. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The airplane was being operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight that departed the Helena Airport about 1623. According to the pilot, after flying in the local area for about 40 minutes, he returned to the airport to practice some takeoffs and landings. After completing the first landing, he departed and was climbing out with the landing gear and flaps retracted when he "noticed flames coming out of the right side exhaust stack." The engine lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing in a field. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted irrigation ditches and a fence. An FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported that the right wing spar was broken. He further reported observing dents in the exhaust stacks that appeared to be from turbine blade material breaking off the turbine wheels and exiting the engine. The inspector oversaw a read out of engine parameters stored in avionics equipment installed in the airplane. According to the inspector, the data revealed "over temp and over torque of the engine for in excess of 60 seconds." The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by having equipment installed in the airplane that would prevent turbine over temperature by automatically limiting the fuel flow to the turbine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 MDT
Nearest AirportHelena Regional Airport (2nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKinnson Lancair IV-P Turbine
Tail NumberN514PT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsWalter · 601E · Turboprop · 750
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Unknown · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point25 C
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data