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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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October 6, 2016 · James Bruton Flying FLEA HM14/360 · N83165

Plymouth, CT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 6, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Plymouth, CT
Aircraft
James Bruton Flying FLEA HM14/360 (2016)
Tail Number
N83165
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA17LA007

Witnesses reported that they observed the pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane performing touch-and-go landings. The airplane flew for about 30 minutes before the engine lost power, and the airplane crashed into trees. The pilot did not recall the accident. Examination of the airframe did not reveal any anomalies. Fuel was observed in the fuel tank, and an examination of the fuel system did not reveal any fuel contamination. Although the wreckage examination revealed that the loss of engine power was likely not related to fuel quantity or fuel contamination, no additional examination of the engine was performed; thus, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On October 6, 2016, about 1700 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Flying Flea HM14/360, N83165, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Waterbury Airport (N41), Plymouth, Connecticut. The private pilot was seriously injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated from N41, about 1630.According to witnesses, the pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings. After about 30 minutes, the engine "sputtered" multiple times and the airplane subsequently descended into trees. The pilot was hospitalized, and according to his wife, he did not recall the accident. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that both wings separated from the fuselage. The airplane was equipped with a BMW R100 motorcycle engine. An undetermined amount of fuel was observed in the fuel tank and examination of the fuel system did not reveal any fuel contamination. An examination of the airframe did not reveal any anomalies and no further examination of the engine was performed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWaterbury (2nm S)
Runway17
Runway Length2005 ft
Runway Width135 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftJames Bruton Flying FLEA HM14/360
Tail NumberN83165
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsMcculloch · Reciprocating · 72
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 41 C
Altimeter30.30 inHg
Observation Time21:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data