# NTSB ERA24LA011: Tecnam P2010, N118T, Ocala, FL, October 17, 2023 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: October 17, 2023, 10:50 local (14:50 UTC) - Place: Ocala, FL · Airport property - Coordinates: 29.171877, -82.224115 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.1719&lon=-82.2241&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 193253 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA24LA011 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/193253/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=193253 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA011 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the forced landing, which resulted in a hard 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: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=0330402), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=0330402), [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 · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0330402), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) (defining event); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md?model=0330402), [All aircraft, 1,703 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md) - [Landing: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=0330402), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0330402), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilots reported the engine suddenly lost power during the initial takeoff climb at an altitude of 300 to 400 ft above ground level (agl) during the instructional flight. The loss of engine power was not preceded by any abnormal signs or engine indications. The instructor took over control of the airplane and attempted a forced landing in the grass near the runway. During the forced landing, the left wing dropped, and the airplane impacted the grass in a left-wing-low, nose-down position. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical irregularities or failures that would have precluded normal engine operation. Corrosion that was discovered on both magnetos was attributed to the airplane being stored outside in a hot humid environment after the accident in the months leading up to the full examination. No other mechanical irregularities were discovered, and a maintenance logbook review did not reveal recent maintenance that may have been related to the sudden loss of engine power. Based on witness statements and signatures of the wreckage, the instructor likely did not maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing attempt, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and extremely hard landing. ## Factual narrative On October 17, 2023, at 1050 eastern daylight time, a Tecnam P2010, N118T, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field (OCF), Ocala, Florida. The flight instructor and the private pilot were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. Shortly after arrival in OCF following an uneventful cross-country flight, the pilots fueled the airplane with about 27 gallons of fuel before preparing for their return flight to Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) Lakeland, Florida. According to the private pilot who was undergoing instrument instruction, they taxied to runway 36 (which was 7,467 ft-long), held short of the runway, and performed an engine run-up on the taxiway. All indications were normal as the engine operated for about 10 minutes while they awaited their takeoff clearance. The controller cleared the pilot for a full-length departure with a right downwind departure to the south. During the initial takeoff climb, as the airplane reached 300 to 400 ft agl, the engine suddenly “quit.” The loss of engine power was not preceded by any abnormal engine indications. The flight instructor reported that she immediately took control of the airplane and attempted a forced landing straight ahead in the grass northeast of runway 36. The airplane was descending quickly and when the instructor attempted to flare for landing, the airplane did not respond. Neither pilot recalled hearing the stall warning horn. Witnesses observed the airplane during the climb and reported that after the loss of power the airplane appeared to be going slow and not climbing, with one witness stating that the pilot did “not lower the nose.” During the attempted landing, the witnesses further stated they did not hear the engine operating, and the airplane appeared to bank left immediately before impact. Security camera footage showed the airplane descending in a wings-level attitude and, immediately before impact, the left wing dropped. The airplane impacted the terrain in a left-wing-low, nose-down attitude and skidded to a stop. The instructor stated she did not apply a left control input during short final and did not remember the airplane turning left before impact. The airplane’s stall speed with flaps in the stowed and takeoff position was 59 kts and 53 kts respectively. Postaccident examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the airframe; both wings were deformed downwards at the wing root, and the forward fuselage was crushed. Damage to the engine compartment prevented a detailed examination of the engine at the accident scene. About 55 gallons of aviation fuel was recovered from the airplane. The cockpit flap toggle switch mount was damaged but appeared to be in the UP (retracted) position. The flaps and actuators were substantially damaged during impact. A subsequent examination was conducted atthe aircraft salvage facility four months later. Crankshaft and valvetrain continuity were confirmed throughout the engine and through the rear accessory case by rotating the propeller. The fuel selector was clear and functioned normally, and the fuel filter was clean. The fuel filter housing was full of aviation fuel. The spark plugs displayed normal coloration and normal electrodes as compared to the Champion Aerospace AV-27 Check-A-Plug chart. The magnetos were removed, and an electric drill was used to spin the input driveshafts. No spark was generated on either magneto. After about two minutes of spinning the left magneto at high rpm, the magneto started to intermittently spark and then sparked normally on all leads after that. The right magneto never sparked. Both magnetos were opened for examination and both exhibited corrosion features on the coils and frame. A review of airframe and engine maintenance records revealed that the left and right magnetos were removed on June 24, 2023, about four months before the accident, and temporarily replaced with overhauled units. The removed magnetos were sent out and underwent a 500-hour inspection, cleaning, repair and successful bench test on July 10, 2023. On October 6, 2023, 11 days before the accident, the temporary magnetos were removed, and the original magnetos were returned to service and placed back on the original airplane. The maintenance records also revealed that on December 6, 2022, at 1,084.8 hours total time engine the No. 2 cylinder failed a compression check. A subsequent examination and engine run on January 4, 2023, confirmed adequate compression and the engine was signed off as airworthy. Subsequent 400-, 100-, 50- and 25-hr inspections were accomplished from February 16, 2023, at 1,084.8 hours total time through the 500-hour magneto inspection/rocker arm gasket replacements on October 9, 2023, at 1,685.8 hours total engine time. On October 16, 2023, the day before the accident, a pilot “squawk” was documented stating that the engine gas temperature “runs a bit high.” The issue was verified but the airplane was noted as safe to fly. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N118T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N118T), registered now, S/N 144/US, built 2021 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: TECNAM P2010 - Registry model: [Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010](https://openairdocs.org/model/costruzioni-aeronautiche-tecna-p2010) (registry code 0330402) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-390-C3B6](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-390-c3b6) (registry code 42710, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 144/US - Year built: 2021 - Airframe hours: 1703 - Engines: Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 215 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Tecnam US Inc - Registered owner: Tecnam US Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 6, 2022, 32 hours before - Destination: Same as departure - Airport: OCF, Ocala Intl-Jim Taylor Fld, runway 36, 7,467 × 150 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system, Electronic primary flight display, ADS-B ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 22; injuries: serious; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; seat: right; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 578 total, 25 in this make and model, 511 as pilot in command, 147 in the last 90 days, 23 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours - Pilot; age 40; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 98 total, 5 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 360° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.10 inHg - Observed at: OCF, 1 nm away - METAR: METAR KOCF 171451Z 36005KT 10SM CLR 17/08 A3010 RMK AO2 SLP192 T01670078 50009 $= ## 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 20231017015309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20231017015309A), Oct 17, 2023: Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2010, Ocala, FL, Substantial damage. On October 17, 2023, at approximately 1045 EST, a Tecnam P2010 took off on runway 36 at Ocala international airport, Ocala, FL with a student pilot and flight… ## Docket (14 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 19, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=193253. 748 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 9 pages, 4.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17965282&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Operators%20Accident%20Report_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Instructor and student pilots interview record (item 2, PDF, 4 pages, 392 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17965744&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Instructor%20and%20Student%20Pilots%20Interview_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Witness statements (item 3, PDF, 3 pages, 338 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17966002&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Witness%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf - FAA inspector's statement (item 4, PDF, 3 pages, 244 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17973226&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=N118T%20Inspector%20Statement_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Video file_security camera footage of accident zoomed (item 5, MOV, 25.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17958001&FileExtension=MOV&FileName=4%20-GOOD%20VIDEO%20ZOOMED-Rel.MOV - Video file_security camera footage wide angle (item 6, MOV, 117 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17957507&FileExtension=MOV&FileName=3%20-GOOD%20VIDEO%201-Rel.MOV - Maintenance records_engine excerpt (item 7, PDF, 15 pages, 566 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17967891&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Engine%20MX%20Log%20Excerpt_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records_airframe logs excerpt (item 8, PDF, 15 pages, 22.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17969516&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Airframe%20Maintenance%20Logs%20Excerpt_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records_magnetos (item 9, PDF, 4 pages, 9.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17967426&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Magneto%20Specific%20Maintenance%20Items_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Wreckage examination summary (item 10, PDF, 4 pages, 180 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17957944&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Examination%20Summry-Rel.pdf - Air traffic control_summary (item 11, PDF, 2 pages, 509 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17957302&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=OCF%20ATC%20Summary-Rel.pdf - POH excerpt with stall speeds (item 12, PDF, 1 page, 71 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17967201&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Stall%20Speed%20from%20POH-Rel.pdf - Photos (item 13, PDF, 6 pages, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17957612&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Accident%20Site%20and%20Damage%20Photographs_N118T-Rel.pdf - Wreckage release (item 14, PDF, 1 page, 83 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=17965559&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Wreckage%20Retention%20and%20Release%20Form_N118T_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.