# NTSB ATL92LA098: Avid Flyer Heavy Hauler, N613AB, Wendell, NC, May 10, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 10, 1992, 13:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Wendell, NC
- Coordinates: 35.780063, -78.359184 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7801&lon=-78.3592&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8600
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8600/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA098

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE FORWARD SPARK PLUG BY THE OWNER/PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,spark plug - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,adjustment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ENGINE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE OF A CRACK IN THE ROTARY VALVE HOUSING. ON THE FIRST FLIGHT AFTER THE REPAIR, THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKE OFF. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN ROUGH, WOODED TERRAIN. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE FORWARD SPARK PLUG WAS LOOSE. EXCESSIVE ANTI SEIZE COMPOUND WAS OBSERVED ON THE SPARK PLUG. NO OTHER ENGINE PROBLEMS WERE NOTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N613AB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N613AB), registered now, S/N 510, built 1992 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Avid Aircraft FLYER HEAVY HAULER (FLYER HEAV)
- Registry model: [Reagin Brian AVID FLYER HEAVYHAUL](https://openairdocs.org/model/reagin-brian-avid-flyer-heavyhaul) (registry code 05618M9) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 510
- Airframe hours: 6
- Engines: ROTAX 532 64 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Reagin, Brian E.
- Registered owner: Reagin, Brian E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, March 27, 1992, 4 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 430 total, 3 in this make and model, 331 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDU, 25 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920510013929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920510013929A), May 10, 1992: Amtr AVIDFLYER, Wendell, NC, Substantial damage. Lost power. Struck trees on forced landing. Found a loose spark plug.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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