Pilot Debrief

Wayne O Robinson S6S Rans near Cartersville, GA — 2009-03-19

Final reportERA09LA203
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Date
2009-03-19
Location
Cartersville, GA, USA
Airport
VPC
Aircraft
Wayne O Robinson S6S Rans
Registration
N312RW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was chafed wires in the ignition system.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing in an experimental, amateur-built airplane, equipped with a non-certificated 65-horsepower engine. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane lost partial engine power, banked 90 degrees left, nosed down and collided with the ground while attempting to return to the runway. Examination of the engine ignition system found that it was equipped with two coil packs. Chafing was observed on two wires from the aft coil pack. If the chafed wire running to the ignition made contact with the adjacent ground wire, or the engine block, the aft cylinder would have stopped producing power, and the remaining cylinder would have had difficulty continuing normal operation.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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