Pilot Debrief

Toomey Quickie near Zanesville, OH — 2018-07-19

Final reportCEN18LA284
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Date
2018-07-19
Location
Zanesville, OH, USA
Aircraft
Toomey Quickie
Registration
N23JH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The failure of the exhaust manifold and a loose mixture screw, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot departed in the experimental, amateur-built airplane for a local photography flight. During the return flight, the engine power dropped more than 1,000 rpm, and the engine monitor indicated about twice the normal fuel flow. The pilot was initially able to maintain airspeed and altitude; however, the rpm subsequently began to decrease further, and the pilot determined that the airplane would not be able to reach the airport. During the subsequent forced landing in a cornfield, the airplane's nose struck the ground, and the airplane then nosed over. Examination of the wreckage revealed a separation of the right exhaust manifold, which was directly beneath the intake breather for the engine. Additionally, a mixture set screw on the carburetor was found loose and extended out, both of which would have resulted in a loss of rpm. Although the weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing at descent power, the failed exhaust manifold and loose mixture screw likely led to the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have grounded the airplane due to previous exhaust manifold issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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