Pilot Debrief

LAWRENCE O NOLTE ZODIAC CH650B near Dover, PA — 2017-07-02

Final reportERA17TA233
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Date
2017-07-02
Location
Dover, PA, USA
Airport
0P8
Aircraft
LAWRENCE O NOLTE ZODIAC CH650B
Registration
N650LN
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power as a result of the loss of all electric fuel pumps due to a loss of electric power because of the installation of an improper battery on the airplane and the use of improper charging cables on the battery.

NTSB narrative

The accident flight was the first flight of the Phase 1 test period for the experimental amateur-built airplane. The private pilot stated that, during the flight, while on the crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern, the engine experienced a total loss of power and that he noted that there was no fuel pressure indication or electrical system charge. He unsuccessfully attempted to restart the engine with the secondary electric fuel pump and then maneuvered to land the airplane. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down longer and faster than "normal due to a no flap condition" and that the airplane overran the runway, impacted a fence, and came to rest on its nose. The engine mounts and fuselage were substantially damaged. According to the pilot, the total loss of engine power resulted from an electrical problem due to the use of a lithium motorcycle battery on the airplane, which was not designed for such use, and to his attempt to charge the battery with a charger that was specifically not recommended for use on lithium batteries. The pilot reported that this likely resulted in the battery having a "low charge" at the beginning of the flight. When the alternator subsequently attempted to recharge the battery during the flight, it overheated the battery, which then shut down and resulted in a loss of electrical power and the subsequent loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Using a battery not intended for aircraft and improper charging methods.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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