Pilot Debrief

AIRBORNE (AUSTRALIA) EDGE EXECUTIVE near Eustis, FL — 2013-10-03

Final reportERA14LA035
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Date
2013-10-03
Location
Eustis, FL, USA
Airport
X55
Aircraft
AIRBORNE (AUSTRALIA) EDGE EXECUTIVE
Registration
N927H
Category
Trike
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent stalling of the wing following a total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had successfully performed three takeoffs and landings with his instructor earlier that day; no discrepancies were reported with the engine during the 30-minute flight. The pilot was signed off for his solo flight, and he began the flight with 6 gallons of fuel. The engine quit at the departure end of the runway when the airplane was about 400 feet above ground level. Witnesses, including the pilot's flight instructor, reported observing the airplane pitch down consistent with the wing stalling. The airplane impacted the ground hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane and serious injury to the pilot. The examination of the airframe revealed no discrepancies with the flight controls. The examination of the engine revealed no evidence of piston scoring, which would occur if the engine had seized. Further, no issues with the air induction system were found; the carburetors were not inspected. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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