Pilot Debrief

GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A near Bono, AR — 2011-05-09

Final reportCEN11LA335
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Date
2011-05-09
Location
Bono, AR, USA
Aircraft
GRUMMAN ACFT ENG COR-SCHWEIZER G-164A
Registration
N8930H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and sumped each fuel tank. Water was found in the tanks, and he sumped them until he no longer observed any water in the fuel. The pilot then started the airplane and conducted an engine check, which was normal. On takeoff, at an altitude of 60 to 100 feet, the engine began to sputter and he was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot landed in trees off the end of the runway and the airplane caught fire. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both wings and the post impact fire consumed the engine, cockpit, fuselage, empennage, left wing and the inboard section of the right wing. Due to the extensive fire damage, the source of the engine failure could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have addressed water in fuel before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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