# NTSB ERA15LA197: James Kilroy Pitts Model 12, N488WT, LaGrange, GA, April 22, 2015 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 22, 2015, 13:50 local (17:50 UTC) - Place: LaGrange, GA - Coordinates: 32.999443, -85.062225 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9994&lon=-85.0622&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report March 2, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 91071 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA15LA197 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/91071/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=91071 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA197 ## Probable cause A partial loss of engine power after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Kilroy James PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=05612I9), [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. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Kilroy James PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=05612I9), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Kilroy James PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=05612I9), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Kilroy James PITTS MODEL 12, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05612I9), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis According to the private pilot, shortly after takeoff for a cross-country flight in the experimental, amateur-built airplane, the engine rpm "quickly dropped to idle." He verified that the electric fuel boost pump was on and switched to the auxiliary fuel tank, but the engine performance did not improve. The airplane was unable to reach the airport, so the pilot performed a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the airplane nosed down and then came to a stop, which resulted in structural damage to the airplane and serious injuries to the pilot. An examination of the fuel system revealed no evidence of fuel interruption, blockage, or contamination. Internal engine continuity was established, and the spark plug electrodes appeared normal. Continuity from the cockpit engine controls to the engine was confirmed. The throttle body, engine-driven fuel pump, and electric boost pump showed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure. Although data from the electronic engine monitor confirmed that the engine rpm decreased to near idle and continued to decrease throughout the accident sequence, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On April 22, 2015, about 1350 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Kilroy Pitts Model 12, N488WT, was force landed following a partial loss of engine power after departure from LaGrange-Calloway Airport (LGC), LaGrange, Georgia. The private pilot received serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight to Lakeland, Florida (LAL) was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, he had completed an uneventful flight from Tullahoma, Tennessee (THA) to LGC and stopped at LGC for fuel. He started the engine and taxied to the active runway, which took about 15 minutes. Engine run-up was normal. Shortly after takeoff, while transitioning to climb mode, "the engine RPM quickly dropped to idle." He checked the electric boost pump on and selected the auxiliary fuel tank with no change in performance. He then moved the throttle forward and aft; the throttle felt normal and engine speed remained at idle. He was unable to return to the airport, so he elected to perform a forced landing in a field. He did not recall any events after setting up for the forced landing. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration FAA responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The wreckage site consisted of a grass field, about 500 yards southeast of the approach end of runway 31. The forward fuselage and lower wing exhibited structural damage from impact forces. The main landing gear were crushed upward, into the lower wing structure. The wooden propeller blades were broken off and splintered at the blade shanks. On June 24, 2015, the NTSB investigator-in-charge examined the wreckage at the owner's facility. The fuselage fuel tanks were removed; both were clean inside with no evidence of blockage or contamination. Both tanks were breached due to impact damage and contained no visible fuel. The main tank filler cap was secure. All fuel tank vents were clear. All fuel lines to the engine were clear. The firewall-mounted gascolator was removed and opened. It contained about two ounces of blue-colored fuel and there were no water or contaminants observed. There was an in-line fuel filter installed at the firewall; it was opened for examination and was clean and there were no contaminants inside. The engine controls were checked for continuity. All controls to the engine were intact. The throttle cable was broken at the fuel control attachment with signatures consistent with overstress. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed and disassembled. Initially, it was difficult to turn by hand; however, there was impact damage evident. Internally, it was unremarkable. The pump vanes showed no visible wear. There was no visible contamination inside the pump. The electric fuel boost pump was energizedwith a battery and it operated in a normal manner. The pump was then removed and disassembled; other than a small amount of thread sealant visible at the ports, it was clean inside. All internal parts were undamaged and showed no visible wear. The throttle body was removed and disassembled. Due to impact damage, an operational test of the unit was not attempted. No contamination was observed inside the unit, and there were no obstructions to air flow. The rubber diaphragm was undamaged and was in a like-new condition. Five representative spark plugs were removed and examined. The electrodes showed minimal wear and normal combustion signatures when compared to a spark plug inspection chart. The ignition harness was in an undamaged condition. The magnetos were not removed. The engine was turned through by manually by rotating the propeller hub. Continuity was confirmed through the engine to the accessory drive pads. There was no evidence of an internal failure. The airplane was equipped with an Electronics International Inc. CGR-30P primary engine monitor. The monitor recorded engine performance data that included the accident flight. The data fields recorded were cylinder head temperature (CHT), exhaust gas temperature (EGT), engine fuel flow, engine fuel pressure, engine RPM, and manifold pressure. The entire accident flight was recorded on the engine monitor. Prior to the loss of engine power, engine fuel flow and fuel pressure drop, immediately followed by engine RPM. Prior to the initiation of the forced landing, fuel flow drops from about 31 gallons per hour (gph) to 2-3 gph, fuel pressure drops from about 38 pounds per square inch (psi) to 5-6 psi, and engine RPM drops from about 2,700 to about 1,400. The last data points prior to the interruption of electrical power to the unit were 1 gph fuel flow, 3 psi fuel pressure, and 1,390 RPM. The number 4 cylinder EGT and CHT parameters appeared to drop off prior to takeoff; however, they recovered during the application of takeoff power and remain aligned with the other cylinders for the remainder of the flight. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N488WT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N488WT-2021-04-03), registration cancelled 2021-04-03, S/N 137, built 2004 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: JAMES KILROY PITTS MODEL 12 - Registry model: [Kilroy James PITTS MODEL 12](https://openairdocs.org/model/kilroy-james-pitts-model-12) (registry code 05612I9) (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: 137 - Year built: 2004 - Airframe hours: 362 - Engines: Vedeneyev M-14 389 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, April 17, 2015 - Departed: LGC, LaGrange, GA - Destination: LAL, Lakeland, FL - Airport: LGC, LaGrange-Calloway, runway 13, 5,599 × 150 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 14, 2015; seat: front; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 500 total, 50 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 310° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 29.98 inHg - Observed at: LGC, 1 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 20150422005799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150422005799A), Apr 22, 2015: Kilroy James PITTS MODEL 12, Lagrange, GA, Substantial damage. After departure at approximately 3500 ft AGL, the aircraft lost power for an unknown reason. The pilot attempted to return to the airport but struck the ground… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on January 28, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=91071. 8.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436156&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Correspondence - FAA Inspector's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 43 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436157&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Correspondence%20-%20FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Engine Data Monitor (item 3, .PDF, 135 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436158&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Data%20Monitor-Master.PDF - Attachment 1 - Engine Data Monitor (item 4, .CSV, 240 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436159&FileExtension=.csv&FileName=Attachment%201%20-%20Engine%20Data%20Monitor-Master.csv - Excerrpts - Maintenance Logbooks (item 5, .PDF, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436160&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerrpts%20-%20Maintenance%20Logbooks-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 6, .PDF, 4.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40436161&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-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. --- 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.