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May 9, 2012 · Donald K Stovall Pietenpol Aircamper · N728MK

Rose Hill, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 9, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rose Hill, KS
Aircraft
Donald K Stovall Pietenpol Aircamper
Tail Number
N728MK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12LA288

The amateur-built airplane's engine lost power after takeoff, and the pilot performed an off-airport landing. The airplane struck trees during the landing. A postaccident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The temperature and dew point about the time of the accident were favorable for carburetor icing. Further, the Ford Model A engine that was installed on the airplane is noted for its susceptibility to the formation of carburetor ice. Additionally, the pilot reported his belief that the carburetor heat system of the airplane was ineffective at flight speeds and that the loss of power was due to the formation of carburetor ice.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Temp/humidity/pressure-Conducive to carburetor icing-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

On May 9, 2012, about 1200 central daylight time, an amateur-built Stovall Pietenpol Aircamper, N728MK, collided with trees during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Rose Hill, Kansas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The aircraft was registered to an individual and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The local flight was originating from Cook Airfield, Rose Hill, Kansas at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that the airplane's engine was run on the ground, at various power settings, for about 30 minutes. The airplane was then taxi tested for 45 minutes to 1 hour. On the first takeoff of the airplane, when it had reached an altitude about 400 feet above ground level, the engine power began to deteriorate. The engine power continued to decrease and an off-airport landing was made. The airplane struck trees during the landing. The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were 20 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Celsius. According to Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CEN-09-35, these measurements indicated that the airplane was operating in a range susceptible to the formation of carburetor ice. The airplane was powered by a converted Ford Model A automobile engine. As installed on automobiles, the Model A engine was noted for its susceptibility to the formation of carburetor ice and heat tubes were installed to alleviate this problem. The pilot reported that he believed that the loss of power was due to the formation of carburetor ice. Although the airplane had provisions for carburetor heat that was effective during ground operations, the pilot believed the ram air introduced by flight conditions prevented the system from working effectively at flight speeds. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportCook Airfield (0nm)
Runway01
Runway Length1600 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDonald K Stovall Pietenpol Aircamper
Tail NumberN728MK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFord · Model A · Reciprocating · 50
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data