Pilot Debrief

Globe GC1B near Wellington, FL — 2018-08-17

Final reportERA18TA222
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Date
2018-08-17
Location
Wellington, FL, USA
Airport
FD38
Aircraft
Globe GC1B
Registration
N80932
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power during the initial climb due to a sticking intake valve on the No. 3 cylinder.

NTSB narrative

During the airplane's initial climb in crosswind conditions for the personal flight, the engine experienced a partial loss of power, and the airline transport pilot reported that the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. He attempted to lower the nose of the airplane, but with insufficient altitude, the airplane impacted a ditch parallel to the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine's No. 3 cylinder had low compression, and the No. 3 intake valve had hardened carbon deposit buildup on its stem. After the valve was cleaned and reinstalled, the engine compression returned to the normal range. It is likely that, during the initial climb, the intake valve stuck intermittently due to the carbon deposit buildup, which resulted in the partial loss of engine power and the airplane's inability to climb.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff during ground roll due to slower acceleration.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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