# NTSB CHI85LA017: Crosetti Glasair - TD, N278BC, Ypsilanti, MI, October 16, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 16, 1984, 19:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Ypsilanti, MI
- Coordinates: 42.239681, -83.620773 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2397&lon=-83.6208&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12934
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12934/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA017

## 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
  - fuel system,ram air/induction air - blocked(partial) (cause)
  - fuel system,ram air/induction air - foreign object
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A FLT. ENGINE RUN-UP AND PRE-FLT CHECKS WERE NORMAL. ON INITIAL CLIMB, ENG LOST PWR TO EXTENT CONTINUED FLIGHT WAS NOT POSSIBLE. PLT EXECUTED FORCED LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. INSPECTION REVEALED A BIRD FEATHER LODGED AGAINST THE INDUCTION AIR SCOOP SCREEN. AFTER REMOVAL OF THE FEATHER, ENG RAN NORMALLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N278BC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N278BC-2018-03-01), registration cancelled 2018-03-01, S/N 278 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CROSETTI GLASAIR - TD (GLASAIR -)
- Registry model: [Crossetti Robert GLASAIR](https://openairdocs.org/model/crossetti-robert-glasair) (registry code 05655KQ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 278
- Airframe hours: 105
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert C. Crosetti
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 20, 1984
- Airport: YIP, Willow Run, runway 23R, 6,656 × 160 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 54 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: YIP

## 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 19841016056339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841016056339A), Oct 16, 1984: Amtr GLASAIR, Ypsilanti, MI, Substantial damage. Forced landing after partial power loss. Found bird feather lodged in air intake.

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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