# NTSB ERA21LA310: Liteflite PTY Dragonfly Model C, N799HG, Middletown, NY, July 31, 2021 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: July 31, 2021, 09:53 local (13:53 UTC) - Place: Middletown, NY - Coordinates: 41.431912, -74.391561 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4319&lon=-74.3916&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 103598 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA21LA310 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/103598/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=103598 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA310 ## Probable cause The improper installation of the carburetor, which resulted in a momentary total loss of engine power during initial climb. Contributing was the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane following the initial power loss. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=05904JR), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05904JR), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Malfunction (probable cause); cases with it: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=05904JR), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/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 (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=05904JR), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=05904JR), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05904JR), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=05904JR), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05904JR), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The tow pilot reported that the first flight of the day was to check for convective activity and was uneventful. After a hang glider was hooked up to the airplane, the pilot performed a normal takeoff. During the initial climb, the engine lost total power about 50 ft above ground level and although the pilot immediately lowered the airplane’s nose, he stated that “there was too much drag from the tow line and the airplane stalled and pancaked to the ground.” The hang glider pilot reported that when he noticed slack in the town line, he disconnected, and landed safely. The engine subsequently regained power and the airplane impacted the ground and was substantially damaged during the subsequent ground loop and impact with a parked snowplow. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a clamp securing one of the two carburetors was loose, and its anti-vibration spring was found disconnected. This condition may have led to erratic engine performance including sputtering, surging, and loss of power. No other mechanical discrepancies were discovered during the examination. Based on this information, it is likely that the loss of engine power was due to the discrepancies noted with the carburetor. ## Factual narrative On July 31, 2021, about 0953 eastern daylight time, a Liteflite PTY LTD Dragonfly Model C airplane, N799HG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Middletown, New York. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 glider tow flight. According to the tow pilot, the first flight of the day to check for convective activity at Randall Airport (06N), Middletown, New York, was uneventful. He parked the airplane; a hang glider was hooked up and he performed a normal takeoff. At about 50 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power. He immediately lowered the airplane’s nose; however, “there was too much drag from the tow line and the airplane stalled and pancaked to the ground.” After the airplane struck the ground, the engine regained power, and the airplane then ground looped and struck a snowplow parked on the ramp. The pilot of the hang glider being towed reported that as the tow line went slack, the airplane appeared as though it was stalling, and he then disconnected the tow line and landed safely. The owner of the airplane witnessed the accident and reported that during the climbout, the engine sputtered, the airplane "stalled," and full engine power was restored before the airplane struck the ground. An initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the fuselage boom tube sustained substantial damage. However, the inspector reported that the airplane had previously been partially dissembled by the operator without authorization, prior to his initial examination. The engine was subsequently examined under the supervision of an FAA inspector. When the inspector reached over the top of the engine to verify the engine serial number, the right side carburetor (one of two) fell out of its mounting. The inspector noted a loose securing clamp and a disconnected anti-vibration spring, and the carburetor was being held up by the throttle cable. The engine displayed no indications of excessive leakage of oil or fuel. The electric fuel pump was found disconnected. The spark plugs were removed and visually examined. The upper and lower spark plugs of cylinder Nos. 1 and 3 revealed rich fuel mixture, all spark plugs were found to be overtorqued without lubrication on threads and the upper spark plug terminal of the cylinder No. 1 was found bent after removal of the spark plug wire. Compression and suction were achieved on all cylinders. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N799HG](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N799HG), registered now, S/N 099, built 2007 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: LITEFLITE PTY LTD DRAGONFLY MODEL C - Registry model: [Liteflite PTY DRAGONFLY MODEL C](https://openairdocs.org/model/liteflite-pty-dragonfly-model-c) (registry code 05904JR) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Rotax 582UL](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rotax-582ul) (registry code 55558, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 099 - Year built: 2007 - Airframe hours: 862.6 - Engines: ROTAX 912-ULS 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Glider tow, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, June 22, 2021 - Airport: 06N, Randall, runway 26, 2,810 × 60 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Airframe parachute ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 63; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: front; restraint: 4-point ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.99 inHg - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: MGJ, 7 nm away - METAR: KMGJ 311354Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 18/09 A2999 RMK AO2 SLP155 T01830089 ## 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 20210731023179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210731023179A), Jul 31, 2021: Liteflite Pty Ltd DRAGONFLY MODEL C, Middletown, NY, Substantial damage. On July 30, 2021, at approximately 09:45 eastern daylight saving time, [privacy data omitted] was substantially damaged during the takeoff process while… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 26, 2023, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=103598. 48.2 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 11 pages, 5.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13023898&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Operator%206120%20Signed-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record; no pilot 6120 form (item 2, PDF, 1 page, 656 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13024568&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MOR%20Pilot%206120_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot statement (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 587 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13023043&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pilot%20Statement_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Witness statements (item 4, PDF, 3 pages, 747 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13042247&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf - FAA inspector statement (item 5, PDF, 1 page, 572 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13041887&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20FAA%20Inspector_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Engine logbook excerpts (item 6, PDF, 5 pages, 35.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13024252&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Engine%20Logbook%20Excerpts_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Investigative photographs (item 7, PDF, 4 pages, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13041792&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20Array-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record a�� wreckage examination (item 8, PDF, 7 pages, 2.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13023294&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Engine%20Examination-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 9, PDF, 1 page, 598 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13023324&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Release_Redacted-Rel.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.