Pilot Debrief

STEEN SKYBOLT near Aliceville, AL — 2023-07-04

Final reportERA23LA288
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Date
2023-07-04
Location
Aliceville, AL, USA
Airport
AIV
Aircraft
STEEN SKYBOLT
Registration
N32WM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined as the wreckage was not recovered and could not be examined.

NTSB narrative

The experimental amateur-built airplane had not been operated for several years before the pilot purchased it and attempted to return it to a flight-ready condition. The pilot completed two test flights and then completed a circuit in the airport traffic pattern during the third flight. After approaching the runway and flying down its length to assess the airplane’s handling characteristics in ground effect, he attempted to add power with about 500 feet of runway remaining. At that point he realized that he was unable to move the carburetor heat control in order to deactivate it, and lacking sufficient runway to land, he decided to fly the airplane around the traffic pattern about 200 ft above ground level. While maneuvering back to the runway, the engine began to lose power and the airplane’s sink rate increased. The pilot leaned the mixture and changed fuel tanks; however, he could not restore engine power. He then performed a forced landing to a marshy area, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The wreckage was not recovered from the accident site and could not be examined, therefore a reason for the partial loss of engine power that the pilot reported could not be determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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