# NTSB ERA13LA171: Mcnulty John S Aerolite 103, N2549W, Immokalee, FL, March 16, 2013

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 16, 2013, 10:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Immokalee, FL
- Coordinates: 26.408889, -81.536941
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.4089&lon=-81.5369&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Approach: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 27, 2015
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- SAIBs cited in the narratives: [SAIB CE-09-35](https://openairdocs.org/saib/CE-09-35) (OpenAirDocs)
- NTSB case key (mKey): 86437
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA13LA171
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/86437/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=86437
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA171

## Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the seizure of the magneto piston.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Engine (reciprocating): recip eng cyl section](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058530): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Damaged/degraded (probable cause); cases with it: [Mcnulty John S AEROLITE 103, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058530/cases.md?model=05902HK), [All aircraft, 373 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058530/cases.md)
- [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Mcnulty John S AEROLITE 103, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=05902HK), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach: Turbulence encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/360); cases with it: [Mcnulty John S AEROLITE 103, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/360/sequence.md?model=05902HK), [All aircraft, 423 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/360/sequence.md)
- [Approach: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Mcnulty John S AEROLITE 103, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=05902HK), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md)
- [Approach: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Mcnulty John S AEROLITE 103, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05902HK), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md)
- [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Mcnulty John S AEROLITE 103, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05902HK), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

According to the pilot, he was descending the airplane from 3,000 to 1,000 ft above ground level toward his destination airport. After he leveled off the airplane, he encountered heavy turbulence and a strong wind gust. The airplane began to descend, and, in an attempt to climb, the pilot added power. However, the airplane did not climb, and a wind gust rolled the airplane right. He subsequently lost control of the airplane, and it collided with trees. Although the pilot did not report that the engine lost power, an examination of the engine revealed evidence of seizure marks on the intake and exhaust side of the magneto cylinder walls; the magneto piston's seizure likely led to the loss of engine power and contributed to the airplane's inability to climb.

## Factual narrative

On March 16, 2013, about 1000 eastern daylight time, an experimental Aerolite 103, N2549W, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain near Immokalee, Florida. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight departed from Immokalee Regional Airport (IMM), Immokalee, Florida at 0900. According to the pilot, he was returning to IMM after a short local flight. The pilot reported that he was at 3,000 feet agl and started a descent into IMM. He went on to say that he leveled off at 1,000 feet agl and had the airport insight. As he approached the airport he encountered heavy turbulence, followed by a strong gust of wind. The airplane began to descend rapidly, and he added full power in an attempt to fly out of the turbulence and climb. He did not recall if the engine's rpm increased, but stated that the airplane did not climb or perform as expected. The airplane rolled to the right, continued to descend and collided with the trees. An examination of the airframe revealed that all of the tubing was buckled due to impact damage. Examination of the flight controls revealed continuity to the flight control surfaces. The elevator control cable was broken, and was examined by the NTSB material laboratory. The examination revealed that it was broken in overstress. The recorded weather at the Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers, Florida (RSW), revealed that at 0953, conditions were wind 170 degrees at 6 knots, cloud conditions clear, temperature 18 degrees Celsius (C); dew point 11 degrees C; altimeter 30.21 inches of mercury. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB): CE-09-35; these conditions were favorable for serious carburetor icing at glide power. A review of the ROTAX installation manual section 16) carburetor subsection 16.1) Carburetor air intake, states that "If the aircraft is to be operated in climatic conditions where carburetor icing is likely to occur, a heating system must be fitted." During the examination of the carburetor and intake system it was noted that this Rotax engine was not equipped with a carburetor heat system. Examination of the engine revealed that the propeller blades exhibited signs of rotational damage on two of the three blades. One blade was broken off at the root and was not located. Further examination of the engine revealed that the fuel system was breached between the primer bulb and the fuel tank. An examination of the carburetor revealed that it was impact damaged. Further examination of the carburetor system revealed that the air filter was found dirty. An examination of the spark plugs revealed that they were covered with oil deposits on the electrodes and insulator. The fuel bowl was removedand did not contain any fuel. There was evidence of water contamination but no water was within the bowl at the time of examination. The carburetor was further dissembled and the main jet was free of obstructions or blockages. The jet needle was installed correctly and was in good condition. Examination of the fuel pump revealed that it was in good condition but was mounted incorrectly according to the Rotax manual. Examination of the fuel lines revealed that they were secure to their fittings on the engine. No fuel was found between the carburetor and the fuel pump. An examination of the cylinders revealed that there were seizure marks on the magneto piston. Metal transfers were found on the intake and exhaust side of the magneto cylinder wall. Examination of the power take-off cylinder revealed no metal transfer and no evidence of piston seizure.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2549W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2549W-2018-02-09), registration cancelled 2018-02-09, S/N 411, built 2003 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MCNULTY JOHN S AEROLITE 103
- Registry model: [Mcnulty John S AEROLITE 103](https://openairdocs.org/model/mcnulty-john-s-aerolite-103) (registry code 05902HK) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Rotax 503 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-503-series) (registry code 55564, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 411
- Engines: ROTAX 503 52 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Anthony J. Radelat
- Registered owner: Anthony J. Radelat
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: IMM, Immokalee, FL
- Destination: IMM, Immokalee, FL
- Airport: IMM, Immokalee Regional Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: single; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 160 total, 160 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.20 inHg
- Observed at: RSW, 20 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 20130316003949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130316003949A), Mar 16, 2013: Mcnulty John S AEROLITE 103, Naples, FL, Destroyed. Upon arriving to the scene of the aircraft accident, it was noted that the aircraft appeared to come down at a steep angle through the trees canopy. All three…

## Docket (13 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 31, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=86437. 19.4 MB in all.

- Note Regarding Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 13 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424215&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Note%20Regarding%20Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF
- Collier County Naples, Florida Police report (item 2, .PDF, 990 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424216&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Collier%20County%20Naples,%20Florida%20Police%20report-Redacted.PDF
- FAA inspector pilot interview statement (item 3, .PDF, 179 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424217&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20inspector%20pilot%20interview%20statement-Redacted.PDF
- Record of Conversation - Radelat (item 4, .PDF, 50 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424218&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Radelat-Master.PDF
- FAA Inspector Fuel Filter Inspection Statement (item 5, .PDF, 150 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424219&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Fuel%20Filter%20Inspection%20Statement-Redacted.PDF
- Rotax Engine Examine Report (item 6, .PDF, 56 photos, 5.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424220&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Rotax%20Engine%20Examine%20Report-Master.PDF
- Evidence Control Form (item 7, .PDF, 65 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424221&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Evidence%20Control%20Form-Redacted.PDF
- CE-09-35 Carb Icing Bulletin (item 8, .PDF, 111 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424222&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=CE-09-35%20Carb%20Icing%20Bulletin-Master.PDF
- Rsw metars (item 9, .PDF, 101 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424223&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=RSW%20METARS-Master.PDF
- Photo 1 – Cockpit Section (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 10, .PDF, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424224&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20%E2%80%93%20Cockpit%20Section%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 2 – Wing Root and Engine (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 11, .PDF, 3.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424225&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20%E2%80%93%20Wing%20Root%20and%20Engine%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 3- Upper Wing Surface and Tail Section (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 12, .PDF, 3.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424226&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203-%20Upper%20Wing%20Surface%20and%20Tail%20Section%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- Photo 4 - Landing Gear and Flight Control (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 13, .PDF, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424227&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%20-%20Landing%20Gear%20and%20Flight%20Control%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF

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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