Pilot Debrief

KLEMP GREGORY J CHALLENGER II near Neshkoro, WI — 2011-06-30

Final reportCEN11FA433
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Date
2011-06-30
Location
Neshkoro, WI, USA
Aircraft
KLEMP GREGORY J CHALLENGER II
Registration
N12911
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a cold seizure as a result of a broken fan V-belt. Contributing to the accident was the passenger's interference with the flight controls during the forced landing.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the passenger's interference with the flight controls during the forced landing.

NTSB narrative

Prior to the local flight, the pilot, who was seated in the rear seat, completed a preflight check and engine run-up. During the initial climb, at 1,200 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a private grass airstrip. While maneuvering the airplane for the forced landing, the pilot felt his left rudder pedal pressed to the floor. The pilot thought that the passenger may have been frightened and stepped on the rudder pedal. The pilot instructed to the passenger to release the rudder pedal as the airplane entered into a slip and was losing altitude; however, the passenger did not respond to the pilot. Due to the loss of altitude, the airplane was unable to reach the airstrip and impacted trees. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the cooling fan V-belt was broken and that the pistons exhibited scoring signatures consistent with a cold seizure. According to the manufacturer, the engine is susceptible to cold seizures when there is inadequate cooling of the cylinders, such as with a broken cooling fan V-belt. Review of the engine manufacturer’s installation and operations manual revealed warnings that "the engine by design is subject to sudden stoppage," and that it does not conform to aircraft standards.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked V-belt condition before flight to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents16

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