# NTSB DFW07LA010: Taylor Zodiac 601, N143DT, San Antonio, TX, October 21, 2006 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 21, 2006, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC) - Place: San Antonio, TX - Coordinates: 29.469709, -98.800239 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4697&lon=-98.8002&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 May 29, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA, FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 64740 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW07LA010 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64740/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07LA010 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. ## Analysis A 1,900-hour private pilot departed from a 3,000-foot long by 40-foot wide runway, in a single engine experimental airplane on a local flight. Immediately after takeoff, while the airplane was climbing through approximately 300 feet above the ground, the pilot reported experiencing a total loss of engine power. Due to the low altitude, the pilot was only able to make one attempt to restart the engine. The pilot reported that he was unable to start the engine. The airplane sustained structural damage during the forced landing. Fuel was present in the airplane's fuel tanks. After the airplane was recovered, the engine was inspected. The engine examination revealed the engine itself did not sustain any damage. A thumb compression test was conducted on each cylinder, fuel was present in both carburetor bowls, and the electric fuel pump operated and displaced fuel. The engine's electric starter was used to rotate the engine, and ignition spark was observed on each top cylinder sparkplug. No anomalies were found that could have prevented normal engine operation. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined. A review of the airplane's cockpit area revealed that no markings or labeling were associated with the fuel shutoff valve. A row of assorted electrical fuses were also found to be unmarked. ## Factual narrative On October 21, 2006, approximately 1630 central daylight time, a single-engine Taylor Zodiac 601 experimental airplane, N143DT, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power shortly after take-off from the San Geronimo Airpark (8T8), near San Antonio, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the mishap. The 1,900-hour private pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Airplane Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1), that immediately after take-off and at approximately 300 feet, "the engine died." According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane sustained structural damage during the forced landing. The inspector also noted that fuel was present in the airplane's fuel tanks. An engine inspection was conducted on March 28, 2007. Two of the three wooden propeller blades were found broken off. However, the engine itself did not sustain any damage. A thumb compression test was conducted on each cylinder, fuel was present in both carburetor bowls, and the electric fuel pump operated and displaced fuel. The engine's electric starter was used to rotate the engine, and ignition spark was observed on each top cylinder sparkplug. No abnormalities were found with the engine that could have prevented normal engine operation. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined. Additionally, an inspection of the airplane's cockpit revealed the absence of labeling or markings for the fuel shutoff valve or the row of assorted electrical fuses. At 1655, the automated weather observation system at SKF, located approximately 15 miles southeast of the accident site, reported variable winds at 3 knots, 7 miles visibility, few clouds at 3,600 feet, temperature 82 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.83 inches of Mercury. ## 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 descent/landing - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - ground - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N143DT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N143DT), registered now, S/N 6-5923, built 2005 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Taylor Zodiac 601 - Registry model: [Taylor David L ZODIAC CH 601 HD](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylor-david-l-zodiac-ch-601-hd) (registry code 056191X) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax SEE BOMBADIER](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-see-bombadier) (registry code 55555, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 6-5923 - Airframe hours: 552 - Engines: Rotax 912 UL 80 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, August 1, 2006 - Departed: 8TA0, San Antonio, TX - Destination: San Antonio, TX - Flight plan: Unknown - Airport: 8TA0, San Geronimo Airpark ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; injuries: none; private, sport pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: sport pilot, unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 1,900 total, 10 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 3 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 68 °F - Altimeter: 29.82 inHg - Observed at: KSKF, 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 20061021024119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20061021024119A), Oct 21, 2006: Amtr CH601HD, San Antonio, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot stated that during climb the engine froze up. He landed in an empty field, went through a fence, then came to a stop. Substantial damage to the… 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.