Pilot Debrief

DOUGLAS BRIAN G BA-100 near Killeen, TX — 2013-08-10

Final reportCEN13LA478
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Date
2013-08-10
Location
Killeen, TX, USA
Airport
KILE
Aircraft
DOUGLAS BRIAN G BA-100
Registration
N27BD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper management of the fuel mixture, which resulted in an over-rich fuel mixture condition and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, during taxi and takeoff, he set the engine fuel mixture control to the full-rich position. While in the crosswind turn, the engine lost partial power, and the pilot made a forced landing in a forested area. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder's spark plugs were completely carbon-fouled and that the Nos. 2 through 4 cylinders' spark plugs were badly sooted. It is likely that the pilot did not properly manage the engine mixture, which led to an over-rich fuel mixture condition during the takeoff and resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have turned back to the runway instead of continuing the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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