Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7BCM near Longmont, CO — 2016-07-16

Final reportCEN16LA267
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Date
2016-07-16
Location
Longmont, CO, USA
Airport
LMO
Aircraft
AERONCA 7BCM
Registration
N2576E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff after observing a partial loss of engine power, the reason for which could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was taking off in the light sport aircraft for a local personal flight. The pilot reported that, while attempting to take off from the 4,799-ft-long runway, he noticed a lower-than-normal engine rpm and that the takeoff roll was significantly longer. Despite the extended takeoff roll and low engine rpm, the pilot chose to continue the takeoff. The airplane lifted off and slowly climbed to about 200 ft above ground level. Due to concerns about rising terrain, the pilot chose to make a forced landing, during which the airplane hit power lines. The airplane then skipped across a road and nosed over. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures. Carburetor icing was likely not a factor given the environmental conditions at the time of the accident and the pilot's report of a short taxi time.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have aborted takeoff when engine rpm was low.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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