The non-certificated pilot reported that he conducted a low approach over the turf runway in Neshkoro, Wisconsin, at 50′ above ground level with the engine power at idle.
About halfway down the runway, he applied full power, but the engine did not respond. He entered a shallow left turn and slowed the Challenger II to stall speed before hitting trees. The pilot was seriously injured in the crash
While the condition of the propeller was consistent with the engine having no power at the time of impact, post-accident examination of the airframe and a test run of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and a reason for the loss of power could not be determined.
The pilot was not certificated, and he did not hold a medical certificate. The pilot’s flight time was unknown.
His decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude and low airspeed precluded him from selecting a suitable forced landing site following the loss of engine power.
Probable cause: A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the non-certificated pilot’s decision to maneuver at low altitude.
NTSB Identification: CEN16LA123
This March 2016 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Many FAA probable causes are worthless for helping prevent similar accidents.
I encountered a “dust devil” about 15 ft high on TO, in a Pietenpol LSA.
Wingtip touched the ground and I crashed inverted. No injuries.
Probable cause “ Pilot failed to maintain control of the aircraft “. No mention of the DD!
Technically correct, but worthless!!
No Certification?
Stupid is what stupid does.
According to Wikipedia, the Challenger line is Light Sport, not Ultra Light. Therefore the pilot should have at least a Light Sport rating. Wonder if he was cited by the FAA.
That aircraft is powered by a Rotax two stroke engine. Following a prolong Idle if the throttle is advanced too rapidly, It will die !
Amen to what Charlie said ⬆️
Ditto.
And the NTSB of all entities should know this about those engines. All they have to do is get the engine idling for a minute or so, and then go full power. It will become quite apparent when that prop stops rather suddenly.
All this because I used to work on dirt bikes in the ’70s & ’80s. So this is not new stuff.
Simply not true. The Rotax cruise RPM is 5500. Idle RPM is around 1800 to 2000. The engine is built to more precise standards and tolerances than ANY old tech aircraft piston engine like a Continental or Lycoming. There are both fuel injected and carburetor versions. The only way to get a Rotax to quit is to run turn off the key or run out fuel…