Pilot Debrief

BROCHETTI LOUIS PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER near Vienna, OH — 2011-10-29

Final reportCEN12LA049
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Date
2011-10-29
Location
Vienna, OH, USA
Airport
79OH
Aircraft
BROCHETTI LOUIS PIETENPOL AIRCAMPER
Registration
N486LB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during climb after takeoff due to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The experimental amateur-built airplane impacted trees and terrain after a loss of engine power during takeoff. The pilot reported that the initial takeoff roll was normal and described the subsequent loss of power during the climb as gradual and continuing. Although postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that one of the engine's spark plug wire terminals was not attached to its respective spark plug, the pilot’s description of a gradual power loss during the climb was not consistent with a spark plug wire detachment, which would have resulted in a rapid loss of power. According to a Federal Aviation Administration carburetor icing chart, the temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive to carburetor icing. The pilot attributed the loss of engine power to carburetor ice. Based on the available evidence, it is likely that the spark plug wire became dislodged from the spark plug during the impact sequence, and the loss of engine power was a result of carburetor icing.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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