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NTSB Report

August 4, 2016 · Gilchrist PA14EXP · N18PG

Sparta, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2016
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Sparta, MI
Aircraft
Gilchrist PA14EXP (2016)
Tail Number
N18PG
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16LA305

Shortly after takeoff, the experimental amateur-built airplane experienced a total loss of engine power, and the private pilot conducted a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane's landing gear impacted a fence, resulting in substantial damage. A postaccident examination and test run of the engine revealed no malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Although the atmospheric conditions present at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of moderate carburetor icing at cruise power settings and serious carburetor icing at descent power settings, the airplane was operating at takeoff power; therefore, the investigation could not conclude that the loss of power was the result of carburetor ice accumulation. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, since postaccident examination revealed no malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Full Narrative

On August 4, 2016, about 2030 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built PA14EXP airplane, N18PG, sustained substantial damage when it struck a fence and nosed over during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The local flight was originating the Paul C Miller-Sparta Airport, near Sparta, Michigan, at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that he performed a pre-flight inspection of the airplane and a run-up prior to takeoff. All checks were normal. He stated that the takeoff was normal until reaching about 300 feet above ground level when the engine lost all power. He stated that the engine was still rotating. He checked the fuel selector, which was on "both", and attempted to pump the throttle which had no effect. He then executed a forced landing to an adjacent field, but stuck a fence with the landing gear. The airplane came to a rest on the ground past the fence. The airplane was an amateur-built version of a Piper PA-14 airplane. It was powered by a reciprocating carburetor equipped Aerosport O-375 engine bearing serial number 1547-SPE. The engine was rated to produce 205 horsepower. According to the pilot report the engine had accumulated 45.5 hours total time in service at the time of the accident. The engine was examined by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors while still mounted in the airframe. All engine controls were still attached and functioning normally. The carburetor was broken at the flange mount. All fuel hoses were intact and unrestricted. The fuel strainers and screens were clean. The engine was rotated and compression was noted on all cylinders. Six quarts of oil was present in the engine. The battery was connected and ignition spark was checked. Spark was observed, but the inspector noted that the spark "seemed weak". No anomalies were noted. Subsequently, the airplane owner had the engine removed and sent to an engine rebuilder where it was placed in an engine test cell and was run for about 5-6 hours. During the testing the engine was run with the electronic magnetos that were installed at the time of the accident, but a surrogate carburetor was used since the one that was installed at the time of the accident had broken during the accident sequence. No anomalies were noted during the engine test run. At 2053. the weather conditions reported at the Grand Rapids International Airport included a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius and a dew point of 18 degrees Celsius. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, the reported temperature and dew point were in a range for moderate carburetor icing at cruise power settings and serious carburetor icing at descent power settings.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:20 EDT
Nearest AirportPaul C Miller-Sparta (0nm NNW)
Runway25
Runway Length4032 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGilchrist PA14EXP
Tail NumberN18PG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAero Sport Power · O-375-AZA · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data