Pilot Debrief

CLARK JAMES T VANS RV8 near Spokane, WA — 2017-07-14

Final reportWPR17LA153
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Date
2017-07-14
Location
Spokane, WA, USA
Airport
SFF
Aircraft
CLARK JAMES T VANS RV8
Registration
N559JC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

An inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which melted the air filter element and obstructed the engine's air intakes, resulting in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the engine began to "act erratically" and surged. The pilot initiated a turn back toward the airport, during which the engine lost total power and began producing black smoke. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to an open field, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. Examination revealed that the automotive engine's air filter element had sustained fire damage, and debris consistent with molten air filter material was in the throats of both intake openings. It is likely that the engine lost power due to ingestion of molten foam air filter, which obstructed the air intakes; however, how the filter became fire-damaged was not determined. There were no other mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine began to surge.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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