Pilot Debrief

AARDEMA ROBERT JOHN 1 AARDEMA RAG WNG SP near Oshtemo, MI — 2010-10-29

Final reportCEN11CA047
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Date
2010-10-29
Location
Oshtemo, MI, USA
Airport
4N0
Aircraft
AARDEMA ROBERT JOHN 1 AARDEMA RAG WNG SP
Registration
N768BA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The failure of the ignition system wiring, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, just after takeoff and during the initial climb, the airplane's engine suddenly lost power when the airplane was about 400 feet above the ground. The pilot attempted to return to the departure runway but realized that he did not have sufficient altitude. The airplane impacted trees and the ground in a wooded area near the runway. All of the biplane's wing surfaces were fragmented during the accident sequence and the fuselage came to rest nose down. The airplane was powered by a converted automobile engine. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the ignition high voltage coil wire had separated from the coil. When the wire was reinserted into the coil, the engine started normally. The coil wire was held in place by a friction fit; no other means of retention was provided.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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