Pilot Debrief

VANS RV8 near Guthrie, OK — 2024-08-15

Final reportCEN24LA317
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Date
2024-08-15
Location
Guthrie, OK, USA
Airport
0OK6
Aircraft
VANS RV8
Registration
N184DC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to the separation and ingestion of an air filter retaining bracket into the engine cylinder.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that about 40 ft above ground level (agl) during the initial climb from the grass airstrip, engine cylinder Nos. 2 and 3 lost power. About 10 seconds later, engine cylinder Nos. 1 and 4 lost power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude. He switched fuel tanks in an attempt to regain engine power but noted no change in the engine performance. The airplane impacted trees beyond the departure end of the runway and sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed an air filter retaining bracket that was fastened to a fiberglass air snorkel/box had separated and was ingested into the No. 2 cylinder. The separated bracket then jammed the intake valve into the open position, resulting in a loss of engine power. Elongation was noted on the fiberglass where the rivets secured the fabricated retaining bracket.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine performance before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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