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April 22, 2021 · Michael J Robbins Searey · N888MJ

Friday Harbor, WA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Friday Harbor, WA
Aircraft
Michael J Robbins Searey (2016)
Tail Number
N888MJ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA172

The pilot of an experimental amphibian airplane reported that, during takeoff, about 200 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a reduction of power. The engine was running, but without sufficient power to maintain level flight. He elected to make an off-airport landing that resulted in an impact with vegetation and substantial damage to both wings. The pilot further reported that the right throttle cable had pulled loose from the carburetor arm on takeoff and the spring pulled the throttle arm to the idle position, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. According to the pilot, he had reinstalled the carburetor opposite to how it came from the manufacturer. According to the manufacturer, the carburetor is installed with the throttle lever spring positioned in such a manner that if the throttle cable breaks, the throttle lever spring will move to the FULLY OPEN position (full power). There were no other preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Partial loss of engine power due to the detachment of the throttle cable from the carburetor arm, as a result of the pilot’s inadequate maintenance which resulted in an off-airport landing and impact with vegetation.

Full Narrative

The pilot of an experimental amphibian airplane reported that, during takeoff, about 200 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a reduction of power. The engine was running, but without sufficient power to maintain level flight. He elected to make an off-airport landing that resulted in an impact with vegetation and substantial damage to both wings. The pilot further reported that, the right throttle cable had pulled loose from the carburetor arm on takeoff and the spring pulled the throttle arm to the idle position, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. According to the pilot, he had reinstalled the carburetor opposite to how it came from the manufacturer. According to the manufacturer, the carburetor is installed with the throttle lever spring positioned in such a manner that if the throttle cable breaks, the throttle lever spring will move to the FULLY OPEN position (full power). There were no other preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 PDT
Nearest AirportFriday Harbor Airport (1nm SSE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMichael J Robbins Searey
Tail NumberN888MJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1None
Crew 2Age 76 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46 F
Altimeter29.99 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data