Pilot Debrief

LITEFLITE PTY LTD DRAGONFLY MODEL C near Middletown, NY — 2021-07-31

Final reportERA21LA310
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Date
2021-07-31
Location
Middletown, NY, USA
Airport
06N
Aircraft
LITEFLITE PTY LTD DRAGONFLY MODEL C
Registration
N799HG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The improper installation of the carburetor, which resulted in a momentary total loss of engine power during initial climb. Contributing was the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane following the initial power loss.

NTSB narrative

The tow pilot reported that the first flight of the day was to check for convective activity and was uneventful. After a hang glider was hooked up to the airplane, the pilot performed a normal takeoff. During the initial climb, the engine lost total power about 50 ft above ground level and although the pilot immediately lowered the airplane’s nose, he stated that “there was too much drag from the tow line and the airplane stalled and pancaked to the ground.” The hang glider pilot reported that when he noticed slack in the town line, he disconnected, and landed safely. The engine subsequently regained power and the airplane impacted the ground and was substantially damaged during the subsequent ground loop and impact with a parked snowplow. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a clamp securing one of the two carburetors was loose, and its anti-vibration spring was found disconnected. This condition may have led to erratic engine performance including sputtering, surging, and loss of power. No other mechanical discrepancies were discovered during the examination. Based on this information, it is likely that the loss of engine power was due to the discrepancies noted with the carburetor.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Proper engine maintenance could have prevented power loss during initial climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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