Pilot Debrief

HELTON LARK 95 near West Carrollton, OH — 2008-06-17

Final reportCHI08LA166
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Date
2008-06-17
Location
West Carrollton, OH, USA
Airport
I73
Aircraft
HELTON LARK 95
Registration
N86657
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The improper installation of spark plugs during the annual inspection which resulted in a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain during the forced landing.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain during the forced landing.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane entered a descending left turn. The airplane contacted a utility pole, a light pole, and a tree prior to coming to rest. A witness stated the airplane sounded fine on takeoff, but the engine began to lose power shortly thereafter. Post accident inspection of the airplane and engine revealed the number four cylinder sustained impact damage in the area of the top spark plug. The top spark plug on this cylinder was found separated from the engine. The top spark plugs on the remaining cylinders were loose. The accident occurred on the first flight following an annual inspection. The mechanic who signed off the inspection stated he checked the torque on the spark plugs after they were installed. The airplane was topped off with fuel prior to the flight. The pilot's logbook did not show any entries indicating that he had ever flown a Lark 95 prior to the accident flight and the passenger stated this was the pilot's first flight in the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked spark plug tightness before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents24

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