Pilot Debrief

JOHNSON GARRET W MERLIN GT near Collierville, TN — 2013-07-17

Final reportERA13LA323
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Date
2013-07-17
Location
Collierville, TN, USA
Airport
01TN
Aircraft
JOHNSON GARRET W MERLIN GT
Registration
N618V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination due to postcrash fire damage.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, when the airplane was about 1/2 mile north of the runway and about 300 to 400 feet above ground level, he heard a loud "pop." The engine subsequently lost all power, and the pilot chose to make a forced landing in a residential area. During the landing, the airplane impacted a tree, and a fire ensued. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane, and it was subsequently consumed by postcrash fire. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined during postaccident examination due to fire damage. Although atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing at cruise and glide power, the engine was operating at a high power setting for takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for carburetor icing before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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