Pilot Debrief

FRITZ RV3-A near Greencastle, IN — 2009-03-07

Final reportCEN09LA196
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Date
2009-03-07
Location
Greencastle, IN, USA
Airport
4I7
Aircraft
FRITZ RV3-A
Registration
N933WF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the emergency descent.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was observed descending while banking. A witness said the airplane's engine was "quiet, low RPM." The airplane lost altitude, the bank angle increased to 90 degrees, the engine revved, and the airplane impacted terrain in a nose-down attitude. The pilot reported that he had fuel pressure and engine problems. The wreckage was examined and residual fuel was found. No preimpact anomalies were detected during the examination. Wind conditions at an observation facility about 25 nautical miles from the airport were from 200 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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