Pilot Debrief

LOEHR THOMAS H ZENITH STOL CH701 near Eldon, MO — 2010-03-22

Final reportCEN10LA171
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Date
2010-03-22
Location
Eldon, MO, USA
Aircraft
LOEHR THOMAS H ZENITH STOL CH701
Registration
N144AC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine thrust during takeoff due to the failure of the engine-to-propeller drive belts as a result of improper belt tension. Contributing to the accident was the non-certificated pilot's improper preflight inspection.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, at 300 feet above ground level, the engine "revved excessively and power was lost to the propeller." The pilot performed an off airport forced landing. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted terrain and sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. Examination of the airplane revealed that both engine-to-propeller drive belts failed, which led to the reported engine overspeed and lack of propeller drive. A representative of the manufacturer stated that the belt failure during the accident was caused by loose belts or a lack of proper tension on the belts and that the belt tension should have been checked during a preflight inspection.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Preflight inspection should have checked belt tension and condition.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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