Pilot Debrief

THOMSEN AVID FLYER MK IV near Hibbing, MN — 2013-06-20

Final reportCEN13LA363
Sign in to save
Date
2013-06-20
Location
Hibbing, MN, USA
Aircraft
THOMSEN AVID FLYER MK IV
Registration
N6240T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that before takeoff, he switched fuel tanks and waited on the ground with the engine idling for another airplane to land. After takeoff, upon reaching an altitude of 700 feet above ground level, the pilot reduced the engine power to about 5,600 rpm. Shortly thereafter, the engine sputtered and lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing in a marsh area, and the airplane nosed over. Wreckage examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel lines before takeoff to ensure proper fuel flow.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps