Pilot Debrief

GERNER EVANS WE-1 near Kimball, NE — 2012-03-22

Final reportCEN12LA239
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Date
2012-03-22
Location
Kimball, NE, USA
Airport
IBM
Aircraft
GERNER EVANS WE-1
Registration
N5936
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination of the airplane and engine was not performed.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power about 50 feet above the ground after takeoff. He attempted to return to the airport, but the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane was powered by a converted Volkswagen automobile engine, which used a Harley Davidson motorcycle carburetor and did not have provisions for carburetor heat. The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were 17 degrees Celsius and 0 degrees Celsius, respectively. According to carburetor probability icing charts, the airplane was operating in a region conducive to the formation of carburetor ice at glide or cruise power settings; however, the airplane was operating at a takeoff power setting. Due to the late reporting of the accident, no on-scene examination was performed. The pilot did not provide any additional information, so it could not be determined what caused the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for carburetor ice before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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