# NTSB CHI96LA286: Schuler T Bird II, N31774, Fond Du Lac, WI, August 12, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 11, 1996, 19:22 local (Aug 12, 1996, 00:22 UTC) - Place: Fond Du Lac, WI - Coordinates: 43.769908, -88.439735 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7699&lon=-88.4397&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed, report February 5, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10352 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA286 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10352/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA286 ## Probable cause loss of engine power because of improperly insulated ignition wiring. Factors relating to the accident were improper maintenance; and high obstructions in the emergency landing area, which the pilot had to avoid, resulting in a collision with terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb - ignition system,low tension wiring - improper (cause) - maintenance - improper (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor) - maneuver to avoid obstructions - performed, pilot in command ## Analysis The student pilot reported that the engine lost power during the initial takeoff climb. Inspection of the accident site revealed that the airplane cleared a row of 30 foot tall trees at the end of the airstrip before impacting terrain about 10 feet beyond the trees. The inspection of the airplane revealed that a soldered ignition wire was not properly insulated. No other discrepancy was noted. ## Factual narrative On August 11, 1996, at 1922 central daylight time, a Schuler T Bird II, N31774, operated by a student pilot collided with the terrain following a reported loss of engine power during takeoff. The takeoff was being conducted from a farm field in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The student pilot reported that during the initial takeoff climb a total loss of engine power occurred. The accident site and wreckage were inspected by a Federal Aviation Administration Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) from the Milwaukee Flight Standards District Office. The PMI reported that the only problem he saw with the engine was a soldered ignition wire which was not properly insulated. The PMI stated that there were trees which were approximately 30 feet tall located at the end of the grass strip which was used for takeoff. He stated the airplane cleared the trees and impacted the terrain approximately 10 feet away from the treeline. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N31774](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31774-2013-07-29), registration cancelled 2013-07-29, S/N 51341 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Schuler T BIRD II - Registry model: [Schuler K E / Schuler K F T BIRD 11](https://openairdocs.org/model/schuler-k-e-schuler-k-f-t-bird-11) (registry code 05676SX) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 51341 - Engines: Rotax 582 64 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: John Quackenboss - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Airport: runway 36, 800 × 36 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 82 total, 30 in this make and model, 63 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 150° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 61 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: OSH, 15 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 19960811022169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960811022169A), Aug 11, 1996: Amtr TBIRD, Fond Du Lac, WI, Substantial damage. (.19) On August 11, 1996, at 1922 central daylight time, a schuler t bird ii, N31774, operated by a student pilot collided with the terrain following a… 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.