# NTSB FTW83LA016: Volksplane VP-2, N3SW, Houston, TX, October 16, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 16, 1982, 11:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Houston, TX
- Coordinates: 29.760587, -95.379951 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7606&lon=-95.3800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 16, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71103
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71103/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA016

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, climb
  - fuel system,primer system - loose (cause)
  - fuel system,primer system - open (cause)
  - maintenance - inadequate, company/operator management (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKING OFF, THE PILOT FLEW BACK BY THE AIRPORT AND THEN BEGAN TO CLIMB AGAIN. WHILE CLIMBING THROUGH ABOUT 700 FT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE AIRPORT. DURING A LANDING, HE CLEARED OVER AN AREA WITH TREES BUT STRUCK A POWER LINE AND CRASHED. HE REPORTED THAT HE HAD JUST INSTALLED A PRIMER WITHOUT A LOCKING DEVICE. REPORTEDLY, THE PRIMER OPENED DURING FLIGHT AND FLOODED THE ENGINE. THIS WAS THE PILOT'S FIRST FLIGHT IN THIS AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3SW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3SW-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N V2-1053, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: VOLKSPLANE VP-2
- Registry model: [Sportswing EVANS VP-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/sportswing-evans-vp-2) (registry code 0562440) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: V2-1053
- Airframe hours: 107
- Engines: VOLKSWAGON reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: James E. Taylor
- Registered owner: James E. Taylor
- Departed: BEGMAN AIRPARK, TX
- Destination: WOLF AIRPARK, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 72 total, 1 in this make and model, 18 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 180 °F

## 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 19821016052999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821016052999A), Oct 16, 1982: Amtrev VOLKSPLNEVP2, Houston, TX, Substantial damage. Engine quit on climb out. Struck powerline and crashed during forced landing. Primer came open, flooded engine.

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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