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October 8, 2011 · Taylorcraft BL-65 · N27492

Easton, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 8, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Easton, MO
Aircraft
Taylorcraft BL-65
Tail Number
N27492
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA012

The engine began to lose power during the initial climb after takeoff. The pilot elected to remain in the traffic pattern and return for landing; however, the engine subsequently lost power completely. The pilot prepared for a forced landing, but the airplane stalled about 20 feet above the ground and impacted a field. A postaccident examination revealed sufficient debris in the fuel system to restrict fuel flow to the carburetor. In addition, debris was observed in the individual gas containers used to fuel the airplane. The pilot reported that he used automotive gasoline and fueled the airplane from individual cans stored on site. Airplane maintenance records indicated that the most recent annual inspection was completed in June 2005. Regulations require an inspection to be completed within the preceding 12 calendar months.

NTSB Probable Cause

Debris in the fuel system, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Also causal was the pilot not maintaining sufficient airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

On October 8, 2011, about 1810 central daylight time, a Taylorcraft BL-65 airplane, N27492, impacted terrain following a loss of engine power after takeoff from a private airstrip near Easton, Missouri. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The ferry flight was originating at the time of the accident. The intended destination was Rosecrans Memorial Airport (STJ), St. Joseph, Missouri. The pilot stated that he was planning to ferry the airplane to STJ in order to complete the annual inspection. He noted that the airplane had been inactive for some time. The inspection had been partially completed in June; however, potential flooding at that airport prompted him to use his private airstrip for safe storage. He commented that the airplane fuel system had been serviced. The annual inspection was incomplete and, therefore, not signed off at that time. The pilot reported that all preflight checks including the engine run-up were normal. He stated that he departed his private north-south oriented turf runway to the south, and initiated a right turn when the engine began to lose power. He elected to return for landing and continued the right turn to a north heading. As he initiated a turn from downwind to base leg in the traffic pattern, the engine lost power completely. He prepared for a forced landing to a soybean field; however, the airplane inadvertently stalled about 20 feet above ground level. The right wing and nose dropped, and the airplane impacted the field. The airplane came to rest approximately 700 feet north of the runway. Postaccident examination revealed sufficient debris in the fuel system to restrict fuel flow to the carburetor. Specifically, when the fuel line into the carburetor was disconnected, fuel did not flow through the line. Debris was present in the carburetor bowl. In addition, debris was observed in the individual gas containers used to fuel the airplane. The pilot reported that he used automotive gasoline and fueled the airplane from individual cans stored on site. Airplane maintenance records indicated that the most recent annual inspection was completed in June 2005. Regulations require an inspection to be completed within the preceding 12 calendar months. The pilot stated that he was uninformed of the proper procedure to obtain a ferry permit from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA inspector assigned to the accident reported that a ferry permit had not been issued for the accident flight. According to the pilot's logbook, his most recent flight review was completed in June 2006. Regulations require that a flight review be completed within the preceding 24 calendar months in order to act as pilot-in-command.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 CDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length1500 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft BL-65
Tail NumberN27492
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-145B SERIES · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 14 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data