Pilot Debrief

BROCKMAN WILLIAM A CHALLENGER II near Neshkoro, WI — 2016-03-12

Final reportCEN16LA123
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Date
2016-03-12
Location
Neshkoro, WI, USA
Aircraft
BROCKMAN WILLIAM A CHALLENGER II
Registration
N710WB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined, as postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident was the non-certificated pilot's decision to maneuver at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The non-certificated pilot reported that he conducted a low approach over the turf runway at 50 ft above ground level with the engine power at idle. About halfway down the runway, he applied full power, but the engine did not respond. He entered a shallow left turn and slowed the airplane to stall speed before impacting trees. While the condition of the propeller was consistent with the engine having no power at the time of impact, postaccident examination of the airframe and a test run of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and a reason for the loss of power could not be determined. The pilot was not certificated, and he did not hold a medical certificate. The pilot's flight time was unknown. The pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude and low airspeed precluded him from selecting a suitable forced landing site following the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the low pass and landed safely instead of attempting full throttle.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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