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August 11, 2007 · Roger A Dalke E.B. Jenny · N59486

Wakefield, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 11, 2007
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Wakefield, VA
Aircraft
Roger A Dalke E.B. Jenny
Tail Number
N59486
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA07LA132

The pilot stated that after takeoff, he climbed to an altitude of 1,000 feet, and as he scanned the airplane's gauges, he noticed that the engine outlet coolant temperature had climbed to the red line (220 degrees F). He said he then checked the engine inlet coolant temperature and he noticed that it was still in the green (180 degrees F), and then checked the oil temperature and noticed that it was normal. As he continued the flight he said that he watched the gauges more closely and a few minutes later the inlet coolant temperature began to climb to the red line, while the coolant outlet temperature dropped to zero. He said that at that point he knew he was in trouble, and in an attempt not to experience a total engine failure he made a precautionary landing to a cotton field. He said the cotton plants were high and during the landing the airplane flipped over on its back, and stopped in a distance of less than 200 feet. The pilot said that at no time did the engine cease operating. An FAA inspector conducted a postcrash examination of the airframe, the engine and accessories, and the examination revealed that the radiator had incurred no accident related damage, however, there was a leak at the soldered radiator drain fitting.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot/owner's inadequate maintenance which resulted in a radiator leak, a loss of engine coolant, the engine overheating, and partial loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On August 11, 2007, about 1005 eastern daylight time, a Roger A. Dalke, model E.B. Jenny experimental amateur built airplane, N59486, registered to, and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed shortly after takeoff in Wakefield, Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airline transport-rated pilot received minor injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Wakefield, Virginia, the same day, about 1000. The pilot stated that after takeoff, he climbed to an altitude of 1,000 feet, and as he scanned the airplane's gauges, he noticed that the engine outlet coolant temperature had climbed to the red line (220 degrees F). He said he then checked the engine inlet coolant temperature and he noticed that it was still in the green (180 degrees F), and then checked the oil temperature and noticed that it was normal. As he continued the flight he said watched the gauges more closely and a few minutes later the inlet coolant temperature began to climb to red line, while the coolant outlet temperature dropped to zero. He said that at that point he knew he was in trouble, and began to look for a location to land. He throttled back to half power, hoping to avoid a total engine power stoppage, and chose a cotton field to make an emergency landing. The cotton was tall in the field and as he was affecting the precautionary landing the airplane flipped over on its back, and stopped in a distance of less than 200 feet from its first contact with the cotton. The pilot said that at no time did the engine cease operating. An FAA inspector conducted a postcrash examination of the airframe, the engine and accessories, and the examination revealed that the radiator had incurred no accident related damage, however there was a leak at the soldered radiator drain fitting.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:05 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRoger A Dalke E.B. Jenny
Tail NumberN59486
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSuzuki · 1.0 Turbo · Reciprocating · 70
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data