Probable Cause: A loss of engine performance due to carbon fouling of three spark plugs that, when combined with the airplane’s high gross weight condition, resulted in a collision with trees and terrain.
NTSB Accidents
Biplane Pilot Loses Control During Return to the Airport
Probable Cause: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
Rotor Wash From Hovering Helicopter Triggers Runway Excursion
Probable Cause: An inadvertent encounter with the rotor wash of a nearby hovering helicopter during landing, which resulted in a loss of control and a runway excursion.
Improper Fuel Selector Position Leads to Fuel Starvation
Probable Cause: The student pilot’s selection of an improper fuel tank selector position, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the instructor’s inadequate oversight.
Unintentional Parachute Opening Destroys Cessna 206
Probable Cause: The jumper’s unintentional deployment of his emergency parachute and subsequent impact with the airplane’s horizontal stabilizer.
Plane Not Flown for 25 Years Makes Forced Landing When Insect Nest Clogs Fuel Vent Line
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a fuel vent line that was clogged by an insect nest.
Pilot Seriously Injured When Oil Starvation Stops Engine
Probable Cause: Insufficient lubrication of the engine’s internal components, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Post-Maintenance Flight Proves Fatal for Sport Pilot
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin at low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in the accident airplane make and model.
New Owner Mistake: Fuel Gauge Confusion Causes Fuel Exhaustion
A new Acro II owner’s misunderstanding of a fuel sight gauge led to a total engine failure. Learn why “assumed” burn rates are no match for system familiarity.