Pilot Debrief

JACKSON JEREMIAH D VANS RV6A near West Palm Beach, FL — 2014-08-10

Final reportERA14LA382
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Date
2014-08-10
Location
West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Airport
LNA
Aircraft
JACKSON JEREMIAH D VANS RV6A
Registration
N214MJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s excessive landing speed, which resulted in a runway excursion and noseover. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power during an attempted go-around for reasons that could not be determined because no anomalies were identified during postaccident examination.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, about 20 minutes into the flight and at 5,500 feet above mean sea level, the engine began "missing" but continued to run. This occurred about every minute and lasted about 1 second each time. He reported the engine issue to air traffic control, climbed the airplane to 10,000 feet, and eventually elected to divert to an airport about 13 miles away. He set up for an approach to land to the west; however, he crossed the runway threshold about 25 feet above the ground and at 110 knots. Unable to slow the airplane to a safe landing speed, he attempted a go-around. The engine "appeared to rev up" but he observed little power being produced. He discontinued the go-around and landed straight ahead. The airplane overran the runway at the departure end, and the pilot applied rudder and aileron controls to avoid striking a perimeter fence. The airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted, with substantial damage to both wings and extensive damage to the fuselage. The airplane was equipped with an electronic flight information system; however, it did not record any useful data. The airplane's fuel tanks appeared to contain an adequate amount of fuel for the flight. The engine was examined and no anomalies or failures were observed. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined after a full examination of the wreckage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed at the nearest airport after first engine issue.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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