Pilot Debrief

QUICKSILVER GT-400 R503 near New Braunfels, TX — 2017-01-01

Final reportCEN17LA079
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Date
2017-01-01
Location
New Braunfels, TX, USA
Aircraft
QUICKSILVER GT-400 R503
Registration
N415HC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to a loose spark plug. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper preflight inspection of the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The sport pilot reported that, about 15 minutes into the pleasure flight, the engine began "sputtering" and losing power. The pilot attempted to correct the problem by adjusting the throttle and applying the engine primer without success. The pilot then selected a field for a forced landing, during which the right main landing gear struck a power line. The airplane then flipped over and subsequently impacted a carport rooftop. Examination of the engine revealed that one of the four spark plugs was loose in the cylinder, which led to a loss of compression and partial loss of engine power. The pilot's safety recommendation stated, "closer inspection of checking spark plugs before flight."

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked spark plugs before flight to prevent engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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