# NTSB ERA19LA081: Cessna LC41, N78JE, Apopka, FL, December 31, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 30, 2018, 20:25 local (Dec 31, 2018, 01:25 UTC) - Place: Apopka, FL - Coordinates: 28.702777, -81.586669 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.7028&lon=-81.5867&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 14, 2020 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Textron Aircraft, Continental Motors - NTSB case key (mKey): 98858 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA19LA081 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/98858/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98858 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA081 ## Probable cause A partial loss of engine power during a go-around for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in a forced landing. ## 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: [Cessna LC41-550FG, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=2073320), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna LC41-550FG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=2073320), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna LC41-550FG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2073320), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna LC41-550FG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=2073320), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR pattern downwind: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna LC41-550FG, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2073320), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [Cessna LC41-550FG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=2073320), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, after an uneventful cross-country flight, he observed animals on the runway during the approach, so he chose to perform a go-around. The engine did not produce full power during the go-around, and the airplane would not maintain altitude, so he performed a forced landing short of the runway, during which the airplane collided with trees. An examination of the wreckage and a test run of the engine did not reveal any evidence of a preaccident malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The recorded systems and engine data showed that there should have been adequate fuel on board to complete the flight. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On December 30, 2018, about 2025 eastern standard time, a Cessna LC41-550FG, N78JE, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Apopka Airport (X04), Apopka, Florida. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated by Hardwood Transport LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Night, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight to X04. The flight departed Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM), Binghamton, New York about 1523. The pilot reported that he left BGM with full fuel tanks, or 102 usable gallons of fuel on board. Following an uneventful flight, he set up for a visual approach to runway 33 at X04. While on final approach, he observed animals on the runway. He performed a go-around and noted that the engine did not produce full power when the throttle was advanced. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the airplane would not maintain altitude, so the pilot performed a forced landing. The airplane collided with trees and came to rest in a wooded area off the airport property. The wreckage was recovered to a storage facility and was examined by investigators. Both fuel tanks were breached during the impact sequence and the tanks were dry. The wire bundle connecting the boost pump was observed separated. When reconnected, the wire bundle was tight. Blue, contaminant free fuel was observed in the fuel strainer bowl. The fuel caps were observed installed in the filler necks. The engine was sent to the manufacturer's facility for examination. Due to the minor amount of impact damage to the engine, the investigation team elected to attempt a test run. After some minor repairs to ready the engine for the test cell, the engine experienced a normal start on the first attempt without hesitation or stumbling in observed RPM. Throughout the test phase, the engine accelerated normally without any hesitation, stumbling or interruption in power and demonstrated the ability to produce rated horsepower. The airplane was equipped with a Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck. The G1000 recorded flight and systems data, including fuel quantity and engine performance. The data indicated that the flight began with 51 gallons per tank, or 102 gallons total useable fuel on board. Fuel quantity indications during the final 15 minutes were erratic; however, the total fuel quantity about 15 minutes prior to the accident was about 17 gallons. The average fuel flow during the same time period was about 13.3 gallons/hr. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N78JE](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N78JE), registered now, S/N 411030, built 2008 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA LC41 (550FG) - Registry model: [Cessna LC41-550FG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-lc41-550fg) (registry code 2073320) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-550-C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-550-c) (registry code 17246, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 411030 - Year built: 2008 - Airframe hours: 1301 - Engines: Continental TSIO-550C(11) 310 hp reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Hardwood Transport Llc - Registered owner: Hardwood Transport Llc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, December 18, 2018, 6 hours before - Departed: BGM, Binghamton, NY - Destination: X04, Apopka, FL - Airport: X04, Apopka Airport, runway 33, 3,987 × 60 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Auto-pilot, Stall warning system, Onboard weather, Heads up display, Handheld GPS, Electronic primary flight display, Electronic multifunction display ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 3, 2017; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,993 total, 284 in this make and model, 1,993 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: 100° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 66 °F - Altimeter: 30.17 inHg - Observed at: KLEE, 14 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 20181230021809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20181230021809A), Dec 30, 2018: Cessna Aircraft Co LC41-550FG, Apopka, FL, Substantial damage. On December 30, 2018, about 2025 eastern standard time, a Cessna LC41-550FG, N78JE, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Apopka airport (X04),… ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 26, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98858. 21.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 3.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484760&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 2, .PDF, 187 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484761&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Master.PDF - NTSB Examination Summary (item 3, .PDF, 408 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484762&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Examination%20Summary-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 4, .PDF, 8 photos, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484763&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF - Textron Technical Report (item 5, .PDF, 579 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484764&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Textron%20Technical%20Report-Master.PDF - Continental Engine Run Report (item 6, .PDF, 4.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484765&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Continental%20Engine%20Run%20Report-Master.PDF - Garmin G-1000 Data (item 7, .CSV, 8.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484766&FileExtension=.csv&FileName=Garmin%20G-1000%20Data-Master.csv - Flight Path from G1000 Data (item 8, .PDF, 475 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484767&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Flight%20Path%20from%20G1000%20Data-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 9, .PDF, 208 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484768&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF - Evidence Control Form (item 10, .PDF, 369 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484769&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Evidence%20Control%20Form-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 11, .PDF, 737 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40484770&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-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.