Pilot Debrief

JACKSON TOP DOG near Apple Valley, CA — 2012-05-19

Final reportWPR12LA217
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Date
2012-05-19
Location
Apple Valley, CA, USA
Aircraft
JACKSON TOP DOG
Registration
N214AB
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because the anomalies revealed during the postaccident examination would not have necessarily precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance, which failed to detect existing anomalies in engine-related systems.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that during the initial climb after takeoff, the engine stopped producing power. During his attempt to turn toward a nearby road for an emergency landing, the airplane descended rapidly into the terrain. In addition to a number of minor anomalies associated with the engine, the postaccident examination revealed three anomalies (cracked carburetor sockets, an incorrectly installed fuel pump, and an incorrectly calibrated high altitude corrector) that had the potential to contribute to a loss of engine power. However, because none of the three noted anomalies would necessarily have led to the engine stoppage, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Inspection of carburetor sockets and spark plug calibration before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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