Pilot Debrief

TONY DUBEANSKY RV10 near Fort Worth, TX — 2021-06-16

Final reportCEN21LA273
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Date
2021-06-16
Location
Fort Worth, TX, USA
Airport
T67
Aircraft
TONY DUBEANSKY RV10
Registration
N878TD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to a separated electronic ignition system connector. Contributing to the accident was the location of the ignition boxes, which provided limited access to the connectors for visual inspection.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb following a touch-and-go landing, the engine backfired and lost partial power about 200 ft above ground level. The airplane descended and collided with a power line before impact with terrain and a tree, resulting in substantial damage. The airplane engine was equipped with an electronic ignition system and automotive-style sparkplugs. The ignition system was field-tested by passing a magnet over the flywheel ignition sensor; spark was observed only on one bank of the ignition system. The ignition leads and coil labels did not necessarily correspond to the associated cylinder, and the ignition firing order was not confirmed. The ignition control boxes were located behind the firewall, and the fuselage was cut open to allow access to the boxes. The output cable on ignition box #1 was found disconnected and the pin connectors were not fully secured. The boxes could only be accessed from under the instrument panel and by reaching above the rudder pedals. The accident is consistent with a partial loss of engine power due to the disconnection of the #1 ignition box, likely as a result of not being fully secured. It is likely that the location of the ignition boxes, which limited access and visual inspection of the connections, contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine backfire during initial climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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