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September 1, 2009 · Hahn R-W22 Tiger Moth Rep · N318JT

Symrna, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 1, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Symrna, TN
Aircraft
Hahn R-W22 Tiger Moth Rep
Tail Number
N318JT
Operator
Tracy L Hahn
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ERA09LA498

The accident flight was the airplane’s first flight with a newly installed engine. The pilot executed a normal takeoff and, during initial climbout, the engine began to overheat. Subsequently, engine power diminished and the pilot made a forced landing into the trees at the end of the runway. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Due to the extensive fire damage of the automobile engine, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

Full Narrative

On September 1, 2009, about 1314 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Hahn R-W22 Tiger Moth Replica, N318JT, lost engine power and collided with trees at Smyrna Airport (MQY), Smyrna, Tennessee. The airline transport-rated pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces, and post crash fire. 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 prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that this was the airplane’s first flight with a newly installed engine. The owner of the airplane informed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the engine was purchased from a local salvage yard, and that it was taken from a 1997 Geo Metro. The pilot stated that he taxied to the end of runway 32, which is 8037 feet long. He said that during the initial climbout, he was conducting engine and instruments checks when he noticed that the engine began to overheat. Subsequently the engine power diminished, and the airplane only climbed to approximately 200-300 feet agl. The pilot said that at that time he was unable to maintain altitude and therefore he made a forced landing in the trees at the end of the runway. A post crash fire ensued and the airplane was totally consumed by the fire. The pilot did not report any flight control malfunctions prior to the accident. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane collided with trees at the end of the runway. The airframe and flight control system components revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Due to the extensive fire damage of the automobile engine, the reason for loss of engine power could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:14 CDT
Nearest AirportSymrna Airport (1nm)
Runway32
Runway Length8037 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHahn R-W22 Tiger Moth Rep
Tail NumberN318JT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorTracy L Hahn
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsReciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time18:31
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data