Pilot Debrief

John Goodman Air Camper near Oronogo, MO — 2017-03-21

Final reportCEN17LA171
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Date
2017-03-21
Location
Oronogo, MO, USA
Aircraft
John Goodman Air Camper
Registration
N23RT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A detached throttle cable support block, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to control the throttle and the subsequent stall while maneuvering for an emergency landing.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot of the airplane departed from a grass runway. He stated that after takeoff, the engine was losing power, so he turned to return to the runway. The engine continued to lose power, and as the pilot attempted to line up for landing, the airplane lost airspeed, stalled, and then contacted low trees near the end of the runway, and the right wing contacted the ground. Examination of the wreckage revealed that a wooden throttle cable support block that had been glued to the aircraft structure was found detached. The detachment area did not appear to show signs of impact damage. No other anomalies were noted with the engine, airframe, or fuel distribution system. It is likely that the throttle cable support block came loose in flight, which resulted in the pilot's inability to control the engine throttle and the subsequent stall while maneuvering for an emergency landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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