# NTSB ATL98LA049: Tankersley Europa MONO-WHEEL, N6173K, Fernandina Bch, FL, February 21, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 21, 1998, 11:13 local (16:13 UTC) - Place: Fernandina Bch, FL - Coordinates: 30.650466, -81.439041 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.6505&lon=-81.4390&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report December 8, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3974 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL98LA049 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3974/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA049 ## Probable cause a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - Loss of control - in flight, emergency landing after takeoff - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis A witness stated that the airplane had to be restarted several times during taxi to runway 8. The witness also stated that the airplane departed runway 8 and climbed to about 200 feet above ground level (AGL). He said the airplane then turned left 70 degrees and crashed onto runway 4. The witness stated the engine thrust was decreasing. According to an FAA inspector, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The pilot then stalled the airplane. The inspector also stated the pilot had plenty of runway ahead of him as well as a grassy area available for landing. ## Factual narrative On February 21, 1998, at 1113 eastern standard time, a Tankersley Europa Mono-wheel homebuilt, N6173K, collided with the ground shortly after takeoff at the Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot received serious injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, he purchased an engine for the airplane on February 29, 1996. After numerous problems with the engine and no support from the engine dealer, the pilot/builder began to install components that were recommended by others. After installing an oil cooler and exchanging the radiator, the pilot attempted to fly the airplane in order to evaluate the performance. After departing the airport, the airplane was "sluggish." The pilot stated the engine was not producing enough power to climb over the trees. While climbing, the pilot stalled the airplane at a height of approximately 150 feet above the ground. A witness stated, according to an FAA inspector, the airplane had to be restarted several times during taxi to runway 8. The witness also stated that the airplane departed runway 08 and porpoised during the climb. The airplane climbed to about 200 feet above ground level (AGL). He said the airplane then turned left 70 degrees and crashed into runway 4. The witness stated the engine thrust was decreasing. According to the FAA inspector, the engine contained adequate oil, showed no signs of seizing, and was able to be rotated. The fuel tanks contained fuel. The propeller blades showed rotational signatures and damage. He stated that the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot then stalled the airplane and nosed down into runway 4 at a 30 degree angle. The inspector also stated the pilot had plenty of runway ahead of him as well as a grassy area available for landing. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6173K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6173K-2000-02-07), registration cancelled 2000-02-07, S/N 12A (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Tankersley EUROPA MONO-WHEEL (EUROPA MON) - Registry model: [Tankersley Perry G EUROPA MONO-WHEEL](https://openairdocs.org/model/tankersley-perry-g-europa-mono-wheel) (registry code 05602TY) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 12A - Engines: Subaru reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Glenn P. Tankersley - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: 55J - Airport: 55J, Fernandina Beach, runway 8, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 300 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 340° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 41 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: JAX ## 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 19980221001619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980221001619A), Feb 21, 1998: Amtr EUROPAMONO, Fernandina Beac, FL, Substantial damage. Porpoised on climbout banked left. Stalled nosed down. Impacted runway. Indicates pilot unfamiliar with controls. (.4)a witness stated that the airplane had to… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.