Pilot Debrief

AERO COMMANDER S2R near Alamo, TX — 2021-02-09

Final reportCEN21LA133
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Date
2021-02-09
Location
Alamo, TX, USA
Airport
43TX
Aircraft
AERO COMMANDER S2R
Registration
N5679X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to water-contaminated fuel.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed for the aerial application flight and noticed an abnormal engine sound as the airplane reached an altitude of about 25 ft above ground level. Concerned that the engine could lose power over obstacles further along the departure leg that included a high traffic highway and a low power line, the pilot elected to make an immediate precautionary landing. During the landing roll, both wings sustained substantial damage due to impact with trees. During postaccident examination of the engine, a small amount of water was observed in the rear carburetor bowl; therefore, it is likely that water-contaminated fuel resulted in a temporary loss of engine power and the abnormal engine sound reported by the pilot. An engine run was conducted with no anomalies noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have continued climbing instead of landing immediately.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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