Pilot Debrief

Drochak Aventura II near Flushing, MI — 2008-07-15

Final reportCHI08LA191
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Date
2008-07-15
Location
Flushing, MI, USA
Airport
3DA
Aircraft
Drochak Aventura II
Registration
N621CD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Contributing factors

Environmental issues Tree(s) - Contributed to outcome

NTSB narrative

The amateur-built, experimental amphibian airplane had just departed the grass airstrip. About 100 feet above ground level just beyond the departure end of the airstrip, the engine lost power. Seconds later, the airplane impacted a tree and the ground in a left wing down, nose low attitude. Inspection of the propeller revealed no evidence of rotation at the time of impact. The fuel tank contained about 8 gallons of fuel. Flight control continuity was established. The engine rotated and an engine run was conducted and it operated. The inspection of the airframe and fuselage revealed no preexisting anomalies. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Throttle control failure could have been addressed before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents24

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