Pilot Debrief

SNYDER TODD W TITAN TORNADO 1 near Wild Rose, WI — 2013-08-03

Final reportCEN13LA460
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Date
2013-08-03
Location
Wild Rose, WI, USA
Airport
W23
Aircraft
SNYDER TODD W TITAN TORNADO 1
Registration
N70786
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The improperly secured spark plug, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane's engine lost power. The airplane hit trees and then terrain, resulting in substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that one spark plug and its lead assembly had separated from its cylinder. Examination of the threads and the orifice on the cylinder revealed no anomalies. Further examination revealed that the remaining spark plugs were loose but had not separated from their respective cylinders. It is likely that the spark plug that had become separated was also loose and not properly secured during maintenance. Examination of the airplane's engine, airframe, and systems revealed no additional anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to known engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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