Pilot Debrief

FREEMAN SUPER KOALA near Traverse City, MI — 2010-08-24

Final reportCEN10LA498
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Date
2010-08-24
Location
Traverse City, MI, USA
Airport
TVC
Aircraft
FREEMAN SUPER KOALA
Registration
N220FF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to the improper torquing of the number one cylinder's spark plug as a result of inadequate maintenance.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported a loss of engine power during cruise flight. He elected to land in the only open space available, which was comprised of rising terrain. During the approach to the field, the left wing dropped and the airplane turned to the left before impact. A postaccident examination of the number one cylinder exhaust port revealed an accumulation of carbon. The number one cylinder’s spark plug could be loosened by hand in indication that it was not properly secured prior to impact; removal of that plug revealed that it exhibited a fouled appearance. The engine's maintenance manual indicated that the spark plugs are to be tightened on a cold engine to 240-inch pounds of torque. The airplane’s airworthiness was maintained by the owner/pilot under a conditional maintenance program.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained power settings or performed maintenance on the engine.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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