Pilot Debrief

GADBOIS EUGENE W APEX CROSS-5 near Lago Vista, TX — 2011-02-11

Final reportCEN11LA186
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Date
2011-02-11
Location
Lago Vista, TX, USA
Airport
KRYW
Aircraft
GADBOIS EUGENE W APEX CROSS-5
Registration
N751EW
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The simultaneous loss of engine and electrical power after takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot recently purchased the aircraft, and the accident flight was intended to be an orientation flight around the traffic pattern followed by a landing. Shortly after departure, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of engine and electrical power. During the forced landing, the aircraft settled into the tops of trees, resulting in substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that a fuse was blown which was believed to be associated with the electronic ignition circuit; however, the pilot did not have a schematic for the airplane so this could not be confirmed. The examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies. Investigators were unable to determine the reason for the simultaneous loss of engine and electrical power after takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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