Pilot Debrief

Saint Glasair II SFT near Forest, VA — 2024-10-11

Final reportERA25LA011
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Date
2024-10-11
Location
Forest, VA, USA
Airport
W90
Aircraft
Saint Glasair II SFT
Registration
N952W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The installation of a non-failsafe coupler that resulted in the separation of the throttle cable from the throttle arm and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

During initial climb on a crosswind leg of the airport traffic pattern, the experimental amateur-built airplane exhibited a partial loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to glide the airplane to an upwind landing, but overshot the runway and landed in a field, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that a threaded coupler between the throttle rod end and throttle cable had loosened and disconnected the cable from the throttle arm. This allowed the arm to move toward idle position. Use of a throttle cable coupler was likely a custom installation, and was not provided by the kit manufacturer. The installation provided a means to adjust the throttle cable; however, it also proved to be a single point of failure as there was no means to secure the coupler, such as a cotter pin or safety wire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked throttle connections before the second approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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