Pilot Debrief

CUBCRAFTERS INC CC11-160 near Springfield, TN — 2021-08-06

Final reportERA21LA321
Sign in to save
Date
2021-08-06
Location
Springfield, TN, USA
Airport
PVT
Aircraft
CUBCRAFTERS INC CC11-160
Registration
N825ME
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the engine suddenly stopped producing power while climbing at an altitude of about 400 ft above ground level after a touch-and-go landing. With no time to troubleshoot the reason for the loss of power, the pilot performed a forced landing to a field, where the airplane contacted a fence and the fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. Weather conditions in the area at the time of the accident flight were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power; however, the description of the partial loss of engine power and the phase of flight at which it occurred were not consistent with carburetor icing. A postaccident examination and test run revealed that the engine was able to operate normally. During the examination it was noted that a fuel valve was leaking, though it is likely that this was due to damage sustained during the accident. Additionally, the electronic ignition system backup battery voltage was low. During the engine test run when the main ignition system circuit breakers were deactivated, and with the right side backup ignition selected, the engine lost power (and appropriate annunciations were illuminated on the instrument panel). Given that the pilot did not report any ignition system issues or annunciations, it is unlikely that the voltage issue noted with the backup system played a role in the reported loss of engine power. Based on this information, a reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff after engine power loss indication.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

Related mishaps