CHI05CA204

NTSB accident investigation · Wilson Acrolite 1T · Oshkosh, WI · July 29, 2005

Accident · Minor injuriesData collectionFinal report
Date
July 29, 2005, 07:00 local (12:00 UTC)
Place
Oshkosh, WI
Injuries
1 minor
Damage
Substantial damage
Phase of flight
Initial climb
Aircraft
C-IAVTWilson Acrolite 1T
Weather
Visual (VMC) · Day
Status
Completed · report October 27, 2005
Report
Approved by Office Director
Parties
Federal Aviation Administration - Milwaukee FSDO
Case key
62306

From the NTSB’s public API. By law, NTSB reports can’t be used as evidence in lawsuits over the accident.

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Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to an obstructed carburetor fuel metering jet. Factors to the accident included the low altitude at which the loss of engine power occurred, the contamination of the fuel system from degraded automobile-style fuel lines, and the tree that the airplane impacted during the forced landing.

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanicalTakeoff - initial climb
Fuel system,line - deterioratedFactor
ObstructedCause
Altitude - lowFactor
Forced landingDescent - emergency
In flight collision with objectDescent - emergency
Object - tree(s)Factor

Analysis

The amateur-built airplane was damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb. The pilot stated that the engine "lost power" during initial climb after takeoff. The pilot reported that the airplane contacted a tree during the subsequent forced landing and then impacted a front yard of a nearby residence. The pilot reported that normal engine operation is around 6,300 rpm during takeoff. The pilot stated that during the accident takeoff the engine was only developing 5,900 rpm. Engine crankshaft and valve continuity was established by rotating the propeller flange during a post-accident examination. Both carburetors were disassembled. The magneto-side carburetor fuel bowl contained several small fragments of black material. The black material was consistent with degraded rubber from an automotive-style fuel line. The engine was outfitted with black rubber, automobile-style fuel lines. The power-takeoff carburetor fuel bowl was void of containments.

Factual narrative

On July 29, 2005, at 0700 central daylight time, an amateur-built Wilson Acrolite 1T, Canadian registry C-IAVT, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from ultralight runway 15 at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was operating under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Sawyer County Airport (HYR), Hayward, Wisconsin.

The pilot reported that he was departing the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture 2005 convention when the accident occurred. The pilot stated that the engine "lost power" during initial climb after takeoff from ultralight runway 15. The pilot reported that the airplane contacted a tree during the subsequent forced landing and then impacted a front yard of a nearby residence.

The pilot reported that normal engine operation is around 6,300 rpm during takeoff. The pilot stated that during initial climb the engine was only developing 5,900 rpm.

The engine was examined by representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration after the accident. Engine crankshaft and valve continuity was established by rotating the propeller flange. Both carburetors were disassembled. The magneto-side carburetor fuel bowl contained several small fragments of black material. The black material was consistent with degraded rubber from an automotive-style fuel line. The engine was outfitted with black rubber, automobile-style fuel lines. The power-takeoff carburetor fuel bowl was void of containments.

Aircraft

Registration
C-IAVT
Reported as
Wilson Acrolite 1T
Category
Airplane, amateur-built
Serial number
AC 106
Airframe hours
52.2
Engine
Rotax 582, 65 horsepower, reciprocating
Damage
Substantial damage
Flight
Personal · Part 91
Airworthiness certificate
Special, Experimental (Special)
Last inspection
Annual · November 1, 2004 · 11.3 hours before
Departed
OSH · Oshkosh, WI
Destination
HYR · Hayward, WI
Airport
OSH · Wittman Regional Airport, runway 15, 1,200 × ft

Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role
Pilot
Age
63
Injuries
Minor
Certificate
Private
Airplane ratings
Single-engine land
Medical
Class 2, With waivers/limitations
Last flight review
April 1, 2004
Seat
Center
Flight hours
884 total · 42 in this make and model · 838 as pilot in command · 42 in the last 90 days · 42 in the last 30 days · 0 in the last 24 hours

Weather

Conditions
Visual (VMC) · Day
Wind
40° at 7 knots
Visibility
10 statute miles
Lowest ceiling
1,600 ft broken
Temperature
66 °F, dew point 61 °F
Altimeter
30.14 inHg
Observed at
OSH