Pilot Debrief

FESSENDEN ALFRED EXPERMENTAL RV-4 near Fort Drum, FL — 2011-07-04

Final reportERA11LA400
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Date
2011-07-04
Location
Fort Drum, FL, USA
Airport
FL75
Aircraft
FESSENDEN ALFRED EXPERMENTAL RV-4
Registration
N3226N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, during the initial climb, about 30 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. He attempted to land on the remaining runway and avoid a ditch located at the end of the runway. However, the airplane's wing struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest facing the opposite direction of travel. The pilot further reported that he had removed the fuel from the fuel tanks to facilitate recovery. A small area of blight was noted near where the airplane came to rest; however, due to the damage to the engine it could not be conclusively determined if fuel was present. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or abnormalities that would have precluded normal operation. While the airplane was being operated in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power, it is not likely that the airplane could have lost engine power during the climb at takeoff power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine power loss at 30 feet AGL.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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