Pilot Debrief

PETERSON-FEDER-SPLINTER STARDUSTER TOO near Lake Dallas, TX — 2012-06-16

Final reportCEN12LA384
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Date
2012-06-16
Location
Lake Dallas, TX, USA
Airport
30F
Aircraft
PETERSON-FEDER-SPLINTER STARDUSTER TOO
Registration
N76NP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power on takeoff due to a stuck intake valve on the No. 2 cylinder.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane's engine lost partial power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude, so he elected to perform a forced landing. He turned the airplane to the left to avoid a crowded marina, and the airplane stalled and impacted the water. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 2 cylinder's intake valve was stuck in the open position.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after detecting engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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