# NTSB DEN84LU009: Eipper Quicksilver MXL, Erie, CO, July 23, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1984, 19:00 local (Jul 23, 1984, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Erie, CO
- Coordinates: 40.019256, -105.040214 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0193&lon=-105.0402&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: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16500
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LU009
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16500/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LU009

## Analysis

THE ULTRALIGHT WAS PROCEEDING IN A NORMAL TAKEOFF WHEN THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL. THE PLT TURNEDTHE VEHICLE TO AVOID TREES AND A RIVER. DURING THE HARD FORCED LANDING, THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND THE PLT HURT HIS LEG. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED A SPARK PLUG SHORTED BY A METALLIC PARTICLE ACROSS THE FILAMENTS. ACCORDING TOTHE PLT, THIS WAS THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAD OCCURRED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,spark plug - contamination (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: EIPPER QUICKSILVER MXL (QUICKSILVE)
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1252
- Airframe hours: 49
- Engines: ROTAX 447 30 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Dennis Mccadden
- Airport: 48V, Tri-County, runway 36, 800 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 169 total, 52 in this make and model, 140 as pilot in command, 62 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F

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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