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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 7, 2020 · Vans RV4 · N423WH

Sadler, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 7, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Sadler, TX
Aircraft
Vans RV4 (1997)
Tail Number
N423WH
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA078

The pilot was practicing low approaches at a private grass airstrip and elected to land. He determined he would land too far down the runway and initiated a go-around. The engine initially responded, but the engine power then reduced to idle. He “pumped the throttle” two or three times, and the engine did not respond. He subsequently landed on the runway. The airplane overran the end of the runway and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder, elevator, and left wing. Postaccident engine runs were conducted with the engine attached to the airframe. The engine started and attempts were made to increase engine rpm. The engine would sputter and lose power momentarily each time the throttle was advanced. During one engine run, the engine stopped when the throttle was advanced. During the final engine run, the engine would not shut down normally using the throttle and mixture control, but it shut down when the ignition was turned off. The engine, airframe, and throttle body unit were examined, and no preimpact anomalies were noted. Functional testing of the throttle body unit could not be completed due to a lack of access to appropriate test equipment. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

On December 7, 2020, at 1528 central standard time, a Vans RV-4 airplane, N423WH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sadler, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot told investigators he had been practicing low approaches at a private grass airstrip and elected to land. He determined he would land too far down the runway and initiated a go-around. The engine initially responded, but the engine power then reduced to idle. He “pumped the throttle” two or three times, and the engine did not respond. He subsequently landed on the runway. The airplane overran the end of the runway and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder, elevator, and left wing. Postaccident engine runs were conducted with the engine attached to the airframe. The engine started on the third attempt and was allowed to idle for about 2.5 minutes. The engine remained at about 1,050 rpm during that time. Several attempts were subsequently made to increase engine rpm. The engine would sputter and lose power momentarily each time the throttle was advanced. During one engine run, the engine stopped following an attempt to advance the throttle. The engine started again on the fourth attempt. The sputtering and loss of power repeated during each attempt to advance the throttle above idle. The engine was allowed to idle and attempts to shut down the engine normally using the throttle and mixture controls were unsuccessful. The engine shut down when the ignition was turned off. The engine was equipped with a Rotech Mk.II 48-4/5 throttle body injector (TBI) unit. Examination revealed both the throttle and mixture controls were secured properly to the TBI unit. The TBI was removed from the engine and examined. No anomalies were noted during examination of the TBI that would have precluded normal operations. Functional testing of the TBI could not be completed due to a lack of access to appropriate test equipment.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:28 CST
Nearest AirportFlying J Airport (0.2nm S)
Runway18
Runway Length790 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV4
Tail NumberN423WH
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming Penn Yan · IO-360-EXP · Reciprocating · 180

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 34 C
Altimeter29.51 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data