Pilot Debrief

WEBER GPA-2 near Brentwood, CA — 2013-08-01

Final reportWPR13LA353
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Date
2013-08-01
Location
Brentwood, CA, USA
Aircraft
WEBER GPA-2
Registration
N199BW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was on a short cross-country flight when he felt a slight vibration in the airplane. An instrument panel scan revealed that the engine's cylinder head temperatures had risen above 450 degrees F. The pilot diverted toward the nearest airport, but the engine lost power before the airplane reached the airport. During the forced landing in a cornfield, both wings sustained substantial damage. A postaccident engine examination and test run revealed no evidence of any preimpact anomalies with the engine that would have prevented normal operation. The 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 monitored oil temperature and pressure before engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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