Pilot Debrief

RICHARD LACOURSE WHEELER EXPRESS near Kersey, CO — 2015-02-11

Final reportCEN15FA141
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Date
2015-02-11
Location
Kersey, CO, USA
Airport
GXY
Aircraft
RICHARD LACOURSE WHEELER EXPRESS
Registration
N564ER
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during an off-airport forced landing following a total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination of the engine. Contributing to the accident was the pilots' decision to conduct the flight with known mechanical deficiencies.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilots' decision to conduct the flight with known mechanical deficiencies.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot/owner of the experimental amateur-built airplane and an airline transport pilot-rated passenger arrived at an airport, and a mechanic heard the engine backfiring and "missing." The pilots subsequently stated to the mechanic that they had been experiencing problems with the engine. The mechanic offered that his boss could look at the engine, but the pilots did not want to wait. The mechanic accompanied the pilots to the airplane, and helped them start it with auxiliary power. They then realized the starter solenoid was not engaging the starter. About 10 minutes later, the pilot requested a jumper wire to bypass the the starter solenoid in order to start the engine. The engine started, and, as the airplane taxied for takeoff, the mechanic noted that the engine was still running rough. A witness, who was located about 3/4 mile from the accident location, reported hearing the airplane's engine "sputtering." When the airplane flew over about 200-300 ft above ground level, the engine was running rough and occasionally "missing." He then heard the engine stop running and saw the airplane subsequently descend about 30° nose-low into an open field at high speed. There was an immediate postimpact fire. An examination of the airplane, engine, and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies. The pilot had not completed a flight review in over 7 years; had not logged any flight time in the 2 years before the accident; and his recency of flight experience, including the last time he may have practiced emergency procedures, could be determined. Although the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined during postaccident examination, the high-speed, nose-low impact is consistent with a loss of airplane control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilots should have conducted a preflight inspection before attempting to start the engine.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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