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May 29, 2010 · Thunderbird Aviation TOP DOG UL · N2574V

Luling, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 29, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Luling, TX
Aircraft
Thunderbird Aviation TOP DOG UL
Tail Number
N2574V
Operator
Comer Kenton R
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10LA279

While attempting to take off, the airplane impacted a tree line and terrain. A postaccident engine examination revealed signs of inadequate maintenance, including finger-tight spark plugs, an obstructed air vent line, and evidence of water intrusion in the carburetor bowls. An engine test run determined that full power could not be achieved with the combination of installed engine components. The installed main jets produced a lean fuel condition that resulted in a loss of engine power before maximum rpm could be achieved. After replacing the components with stock components, the engine produced normal engine performance.

NTSB Probable Cause

Poor engine performance due to the modified engine parameters and installation of the fuel nozzles which produced a lean fuel condition resulting in decreased aircraft performance and subsequent impact with the trees.

Full Narrative

On May 29, 2010, approximately 0825 central daylight time, a Thunderbird Aviation Top Dog weight-shift control airplane, N2574V, impacted terrain during an attempted takeoff from the Carter Memorial Airport (T91), Luling, Texas. The sport pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The airplane's fuselage structure and wing surface were substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. There were no witnesses to the accident. The pilot could not recall the accident sequence and did not provide any statement. A review of the wreckage conducted by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no preimpact anomalies. The airplane was powered by a Rotax 503, twin cylinder, dual carbureted, two stroke engine, rated for 50 hp at 6,800 rpm. The engine was removed and sent to the engine manufacturer in Vernon, Canada, where an examination was conducted under the auspices of the Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB). All spark plugs were found to be finger-tight, signatures of water intrusion were detected in one carburetor float bowl, and the other carburetor bowl contained fuel tainted with an unknown substance. The engine was mounted on a test stand complete with clean fuel. The spark plugs were tightened and the air filter was replaced. The engine was turned over via a pull starter and started on the first pull. The engine operated normally at idle rpm, but when advanced towards maximum rpm, would only achieve 5,730 rpm. Repeated attempts confirmed that the engine could not reach maximum rpm. Further examination revealed that the engine spark plugs and carburetor main jets were not per the manufacture's specifications. After replacing them with components recommended by the manufacture, the engine was able to achieve 6,230 rpm, the maximum rpm expected for the conditions present during the test. According to the manufacturer, the carburetor main fuel jets that were installed at the time of the accident provided a lean mixture that would not allow the engine to reach its rated power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:25 CDT
Nearest AirportCarter Memorial Airport (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftThunderbird Aviation TOP DOG UL
Tail NumberN2574V
Aircraft CategoryWsft
DamageSubstantial
OperatorComer Kenton R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 DCDI · Reciprocating · 52
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Sprt · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time13:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data