Pilot Debrief

NORD STAMPE SV4C near Rhinebeck, NY — 2011-07-31

Final reportERA11LA434
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Date
2011-07-31
Location
Rhinebeck, NY, USA
Airport
NY94
Aircraft
NORD STAMPE SV4C
Registration
N51SV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was participating in an air show display known as a "bombing routine." Preflight and ground operations were normal, and the airplane departed with about 12 gallons of fuel on board. During one of the bombing passes, the engine made a "pop" sound and lost power. The pilot attempted to recover power with throttle movements without success. He checked the fuel valve and magnetos, but was unable to restart the engine. During a forced landing, the airplane clipped trees and came to rest, inverted, at the edge of a stand of trees near the runway. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of an engine malfunction or failure. It was noted that, at the time of the accident, the airplane was being operated in conditions conducive to carburetor icing at glide and cruise power. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the bombing run after hearing the 'pop'.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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