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August 19, 2007 · Niva Thorp T-18 · N6GN

Wellington, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2007
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Wellington, FL
Aircraft
Niva Thorp T-18
Tail Number
N6GN
Operator
Scott M Schlander
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL07LA116

Witnesses stated that they observed the airplane in level flight, about 300 feet above the ground, when the engine quit. The airplane was then observed executing a left turn in an attempt to return to the airport. During the left turn, the airplane began to descend at a rapid rate, then impacted the ground. Examination of the engine by the Federal Aviation Administration found that the engine rotated freely and had continuity through the accessory section. Water was observed in various portions of the fuel system, with the most significant amount of water found in the electric fuel pump. The foam air filter element was found lodged in the inlet of the throttle body, which would have obstructed air flow into the engine causing it to quit. Normally, the filter element would be positioned at the opening of the induction system intake. The pilot’s father indicated that the pilot had previous problems starting the engine when it was at operating temperatures.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to a partially blocked intake manifold and water contamination of the fuel.

Full Narrative

On August 19, 2007, at 0928 eastern daylight time, a Thorp T-18 experimental airplane, N6GN, crashed into a field shortly after takeoff from the Wellington Aero Club Airport (FD38), West Palm Beach, Florida. The certificated private pilot and passenger were killed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. Witnesses stated that about 300 feet above the ground, in level flight, the airplane’s engine quit. The airplane was then observed executing a left turn in an attempt to return to the airport. During the left turn, the airplane began to descend at a rapid rate impacting the ground. The pilot, age 40, held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating, issued on February 17, 2005, and a second-class medical certificate issued on September 22, 2004, with no restrictions. Examination of the accident site by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) found that the airplane had impacted the ground in a slightly nose and right wing low attitude sliding 129 feet before coming to rest. Examination of the wreckage found the engine separated from its mounts and angled to the right. The right wing had separated outboard of the wing flap. Examination of the engine by the FAA found that the engine rotated freely and had continuity through the accessory section. Water was observed in various portions of the fuel system. The most significant amount of water was noted in the electric fuel pump. The gascolator filter bowl was dislodged during impact. Corrosion was noted in the bottom of the gascolator bowl. Surface corrosion was also noted on the filter screen of the servo fuel injector unit. Upon disassembly a droplet of water was noted within the fuel manifold. A visual inspection was conducted of the servo fuel injector assembly. The foam air filter element was found lodged in the inlet of the throttle body. Normally, the filter element is positioned at the opening of the induction system intake. According to the pilot’s father, the airplane was extremely difficult to start when the engine was at operating temperature. The airplane’s logbooks were not located, and the airplane’s most recent inspection could not be determined. An autopsy was performed on the pilot on August 20, 2007 by the Office of the District Medical Examiner, District 15 - State of Florida, Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida. The autopsy findings reported the cause of death as multiple blunt traumatic injuries. Forensic toxicology was performed on specimens from the pilot by the Federal Aviation Administration, Aeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The toxicology report stated that no Carbon Monoxide, Cyanide or Ethanol was detected in blood or vitreous fluid. However, Citalopram, N-Desmethylcitalopram and DI-N-Desmethylcitalopram were present in blood, and urine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:28 EDT
Nearest AirportWellington Aero Club (1nm)
Runway15
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNiva Thorp T-18
Tail NumberN6GN
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorScott M Schlander
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data