Pilot Debrief

Trella T-21 near Endicott, NY — 2019-06-17

Final reportERA19FA196
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Date
2019-06-17
Location
Endicott, NY, USA
Airport
CZG
Aircraft
Trella T-21
Registration
N450C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, and the pilot's subsequent exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during an attempted return to the runway, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude that precluded recovery.

NTSB narrative

According to a witness, the pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane had completed one takeoff and landing in the airport traffic pattern. Following the second takeoff, at an altitude about 300 ft above ground level, the witness heard the engine "pop." The airplane remained in a nose-high attitude as it entered a steep left turn as if to return toward the runway; the witness stated that the airplane then spiraled toward the ground. Another witness stated that he heard the accident airplane's engine power decrease as it climbed through about 300 ft after takeoff and the airplane subsequently entered a descending left turn before disappearing behind trees. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and there was no evidence of fuel contamination. All major components of the airplane were located at the accident site, and flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all flight control surfaces. Review of the airplane's logbook and a witness account indicated that, about 1 year before the accident, the pilot had experienced aerodynamic flutter of the rudders on at least two occasions and made subsequent airframe modifications as a result; however, there was no evidence to indicate that this contributed to the accident. The airplane's steep descent before impact and the limited wreckage distribution at the accident site were consistent with an aerodynamic stall/spin. It is possible that the pilot may have experienced a partial loss of engine power or other engine anomaly (based on the witness statements) and, in response, attempted to complete a 180° turn back to the runway. During the turn, the pilot exceeded the airplane's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin and a loss of control. 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 takeoff after the engine 'pop' sound.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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