Pilot Debrief

CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT AS PIPER SPORT near Peachtree City, GA — 2014-06-29

Final reportERA14LA316
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Date
2014-06-29
Location
Peachtree City, GA, USA
Airport
FFC
Aircraft
CZECH SPORT AIRCRAFT AS PIPER SPORT
Registration
N957MD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's incomplete assessment of the risk presented by operating an airplane with an unresolved history of engine power losses; a partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to operation of the engine with an excessively rich fuel/air mixture; and the pilot's subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees.

NTSB narrative

**This report was modified on March 17, 2021. Please see the public docket for this accident to view the original report.** The private pilot, who was aware that the light sport airplane's engine had not been functioning normally, took off to fly to another airport where an engine-specific mechanic was located. Downloaded avionics data indicated that, during the airplane's initial climb after takeoff, engine rpm decreased about 14%. Beyond the end of the runway, about 50 ft above ground level, the airplane's pitch attitude increased to about 19°, while roll increased to about 28°. The airplane exceeded its critical angle of attack and entered an aerodynamic stall, impacting the ground in a nose-low attitude. Due to his injuries, the pilot could not recall the accident sequence of events or his actions after takeoff. Subsequent examination of the engine revealed that the spark plugs were mostly black in color and some were encrusted with debris. It is likely that, during the takeoff, a fouled spark plug did not provide adequate voltage to the firing tip, and a cylinder did not fire properly. Fouled spark plugs are consistent with a very rich fuel mixture; however, the reason for the rich mixture could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have addressed engine issues before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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