Pilot Debrief

WILEY C W RV-6A near Colgate, OK — 2011-06-13

Final reportCEN11LA385
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Date
2011-06-13
Location
Colgate, OK, USA
Aircraft
WILEY C W RV-6A
Registration
N80WW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he was in cruise flight when the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) began to increase. He enriched the mixture slightly and the EGT returned to its previous value. Shortly thereafter, the EGT again increased and the pilot again enriched the mixture, resulting in the EGT returning to normal. This scenario repeated itself several more times before the engine lost power. Unable to restart the engine, the pilot selected a field and preformed a forced landing during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. While the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing at glide power at the time of the accident, the investigation was unable to determine if carburetor ice caused the power loss. Examination of the airplane and engine failed to identify a reason for the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels or engine performance earlier to prevent loss of power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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