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May 11, 2013 · Ankestar Bradley D Rand-Robinson KR2 · N774A

Hamilton, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 11, 2013
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hamilton, OH
Aircraft
Ankestar Bradley D Rand-Robinson KR2
Tail Number
N774A
Operator
Ankerstar Bradley D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13LA304

The pilot/owner, who also built the airplane, reported that, during the initial climb, the airplane stopped climbing about 30 ft above the ground and then experienced a loss of engine power. The airplane subsequently nosed over and impacted terrain. The pilot reported that he used automotive gasoline to fuel the airplane, which was powered by a Volkswagen engine with a POSA-type carburetor. Further, the engine was tightly cowled, but the gascolator on the airplane was not insulated and was mounted about 2 inches from the exhaust pipe. Airplanes configured in this manner are susceptible to vapor lock when operating with automotive gasoline. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with a loss of engine power due to vapor lock.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to vapor lock in the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the operation of the airplane with automotive gasoline and the installation of noninsulated fuel components near heat sources in the engine compartment.

Full Narrative

On May 11, 2013, at 1755 eastern daylight time, an Ankerstar Bradley D. Rand-Robinson KR2, N774A, impacted terrain near Butler County Regional Airport (HAO), Hamilton, Ohio, following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which was not operating on a flight plan. The flight originated from Butler County Regional Airport (HAO), Hamilton, Ohio at 1755. The pilot stated that after take-off and the initial climb at 80 knots, the airplane stopped climbing about 30 feet above the runaway. He then leveled off at 70 knots, and the engine lost power. With the propeller still spinning, the airplane nosed over and impacted the ground approximately 1000 feet beyond the runaway. The airplane had not flown since 2010, when it experienced a hard landing and a propeller strike. One witness recalled the airplane owner had complained to him the airplane had trouble producing power and maintaining RPM following the first accident. The pilot conducted several high speed taxi tests and partial power engine runs in the airplane the day of the accident. These events were conducted in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 90-89A, Amateur Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook. The engine was not run at full power prior to the attempted takeoff. The pilot indicated that he used automotive gas from a gas can located in hangar to fuel the airplane. According to a person of expertise, the use of automotive gas in a Volkswagen engine with a POSA type carburetor (Revflow) causes a greater potential for vapor lock, as the automotive gas has a lower boiling point than Avgas. Furthermore, in a Volkswagen engine that is tightly cowled, the fuel lines should be insulated to protect against engine heat, and often outside air is piped in for cooling of fuel components including a gascolator. The gascolator on the mishap airplane was not shrouded or insulated, and was mounted approximately 2 inches aft of an exhaust pipe. A fuel test was performed on a fuel sample taken from the can, and a fuel sample taken from the mishap airplane. Fuel test result show that there was a difference of total aromatics between samples; the sample from the can was 48%, and the sample from the tank was 57%.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:55 EDT
Nearest AirportButler County Regional Airport (1nm WNW)
Runway29
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAnkestar Bradley D Rand-Robinson KR2
Tail NumberN774A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAnkerstar Bradley D
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · CONVERSION · Reciprocating · 36
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time22:00
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data