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January 1, 2017 · Quicksilver GT-400 R503 NO Series · N415HC

New Braunfels, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 1, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
New Braunfels, TX
Aircraft
Quicksilver GT-400 R503 NO Series (2006)
Tail Number
N415HC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN17LA079

The sport pilot reported that, about 15 minutes into the pleasure flight, the engine began "sputtering" and losing power. The pilot attempted to correct the problem by adjusting the throttle and applying the engine primer without success. The pilot then selected a field for a forced landing, during which the right main landing gear struck a power line. The airplane then flipped over and subsequently impacted a carport rooftop. Examination of the engine revealed that one of the four spark plugs was loose in the cylinder, which led to a loss of compression and partial loss of engine power. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "closer inspection of checking spark plugs before flight."

NTSB Probable Cause

The partial loss of engine power due to a loose spark plug. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper preflight inspection of the airplane.

Full Narrative

On January 1, 2017, about 1130 central standard time, a Quicksilver GT-400 R503 experimental light sport airplane, N415HC, impacted power lines during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near New Braunfels, Texas. The sport pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight departed a private airstrip about 1110. According to the pilot/owner, about 15 minutes into the pleasure flight, the engine began "sputtering" and losing power. The pilot attempted to correct the problem by adjusting the throttle and applying engine primer. The attempts were unsuccessful in restoring engine power. The pilot then identified a field for a forced landing. During the forced landing, the right main landing gear struck a power line. After impacting the power line, the airplane flipped inverted, and dropped about 20 feet onto a carport rooftop. The pilot exited the airplane. Examination of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed both wings were bent and the wing fabric was damaged. No visual anomalies with the engine were noted. After the airplane was recovered from the carport, the pilot and a few friends examined the airplane and systems. The pilot noticed that one of the four engine spark plugs was loose in the cylinder. The pilot determined that the loose spark plug led to a loss of compression and partial loss of engine power during the accident flight. The pilot's safety recommendation, as noted in the pilot/operator accident report, stated "closer inspection of checking spark plugs before flight."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftQuicksilver GT-400 R503 NO Series
Tail NumberN415HC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 50
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 45 C
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data