Pilot Debrief

Howard William C KR-2 near Valdosta, GA — 2009-04-04

Final reportERA09LA231
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Date
2009-04-04
Location
Valdosta, GA, USA
Airport
VLD
Aircraft
Howard William C KR-2
Registration
N456CH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

An in-flight fire for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The experimental amateur-built airplane was on its third flight, which was the first flight for the pilot/owner. About 20 minutes after departure, the pilot reported to air traffic control (ATC) that he had smoke in the cockpit and was approximately 9 miles from the airport. Subsequently, the pilot notified ATC that he had a fire in the cockpit. No further communications were received from the pilot and the airplane descended into trees. The airplane structure, which was comprised of wood and foam/fiberglass, exhibited extensive fire damage and was consumed by both in-flight and postimpact fire. The two previous flights were conducted by another pilot, who reported after the second flight there had been a blue staining around the fuel valve for the 15-gallon header tank. The accident pilot had installed a cigarette lighter in the airplane about 1 week prior to the accident; however, it could not be determined where the lighter was installed or if the leaking fuel valve was repaired. Due to the extensive fire damage, the fire's ignition source was not located.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noticing discrepancies in the aircraft.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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