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December 31, 2018 · Cessna LC41 550FG · N78JE

Apopka, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 31, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Apopka, FL
Aircraft
Cessna LC41 550FG (2008)
Tail Number
N78JE
Operator
Hardwood Transport
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA19LA081

The pilot reported that, after an uneventful cross-country flight, he observed animals on the runway during the approach, so he chose to perform a go-around. The engine did not produce full power during the go-around, and the airplane would not maintain altitude, so he performed a forced landing short of the runway, during which the airplane collided with trees. An examination of the wreckage and a test run of the engine did not reveal any evidence of a preaccident malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The recorded systems and engine data showed that there should have been adequate fuel on board to complete the flight. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power during a go-around for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in a forced landing.

Full Narrative

On December 30, 2018, about 2025 eastern standard time, a Cessna LC41-550FG, N78JE, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Apopka Airport (X04), Apopka, Florida. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated by Hardwood Transport LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Night, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight to X04. The flight departed Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM), Binghamton, New York about 1523. The pilot reported that he left BGM with full fuel tanks, or 102 usable gallons of fuel on board. Following an uneventful flight, he set up for a visual approach to runway 33 at X04. While on final approach, he observed animals on the runway. He performed a go-around and noted that the engine did not produce full power when the throttle was advanced. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the airplane would not maintain altitude, so the pilot performed a forced landing. The airplane collided with trees and came to rest in a wooded area off the airport property. The wreckage was recovered to a storage facility and was examined by investigators. Both fuel tanks were breached during the impact sequence and the tanks were dry. The wire bundle connecting the boost pump was observed separated. When reconnected, the wire bundle was tight. Blue, contaminant free fuel was observed in the fuel strainer bowl. The fuel caps were observed installed in the filler necks. The engine was sent to the manufacturer's facility for examination. Due to the minor amount of impact damage to the engine, the investigation team elected to attempt a test run. After some minor repairs to ready the engine for the test cell, the engine experienced a normal start on the first attempt without hesitation or stumbling in observed RPM. Throughout the test phase, the engine accelerated normally without any hesitation, stumbling or interruption in power and demonstrated the ability to produce rated horsepower. The airplane was equipped with a Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck. The G1000 recorded flight and systems data, including fuel quantity and engine performance. The data indicated that the flight began with 51 gallons per tank, or 102 gallons total useable fuel on board. Fuel quantity indications during the final 15 minutes were erratic; however, the total fuel quantity about 15 minutes prior to the accident was about 17 gallons. The average fuel flow during the same time period was about 13.3 gallons/hr.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:25 EST
Nearest AirportApopka Airport (0nm SSW)
Runway33
Runway Length3987 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna LC41 550FG
Tail NumberN78JE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHardwood Transport
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-550C(11) · Reciprocating · 310
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind100° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 66 F
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data