# NTSB LAX00LA143: Muxlow Pitts S-1C, N27DM, Phoenix, AZ, April 5, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 4, 2000, 18:04 local (Apr 5, 2000, 01:04 UTC) - Place: Phoenix, AZ - Location: 33.4484° N, 112.0740° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Phoenix, AZ, within about 13 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4484&lon=-112.0740&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 2, 2002 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 48900 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX00LA143 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48900/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA143 ## Probable cause A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors were the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing and the rough/uneven terrain on which the airplane landed. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined - Forced landing, descent - emergency - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - Nose over, landing - roll - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) ## Analysis After takeoff, about 2,500 feet, the pilot reduced engine power to climb power. The engine rpm decreased to idle and the pilot attempted to return to the airport. Unable to reach the runway, the airplane was force landed in rough terrain. During the landing roll the airplane nosed over. Subsequent examination of the airplane revealed about 15 gallons of fuel in the fuel tanks. The pilot discovered that the throttle linkage was still connected, however, the forced landing damaged the carburetor. ## Factual narrative On April 4, 2000, at 1804 hours mountain standard time, a homebuilt Muxlow Pitts S-1C, N27DM, experienced a loss of engine power after takeoff from the Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona. The airplane nosed over during the subsequent off-airport forced landing. The airplane, owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The private pilot was not injured. The local area flight was conducted as a personal flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and was originating at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he departed runway 7R to the east. He continued heading eastbound, and about 2,500 feet mean sea level, he reduced the throttle from takeoff power. The rpm decreased to idle. The pilot applied full throttle and ensured that the mixture was in the full rich position, the fuel selector was on, and the magnetos were positioned to "both." The rpm did not increase. He turned left toward the airport and noted an open area in the desert. A forced landing ensued, which resulted in the airplane nosing over and coming to rest inverted. The terrain was rough, and the aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear, upper left wing panel, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that following the accident, the throttle lever was in the full open position and the mixture lever was in the full rich position. He stated that when he manipulated the throttle handle in the cockpit, the throttle linkage operated. The operator did not provide a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N27DM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N27DM-2023-11-18), registration cancelled 2023-11-18, S/N 1970DM, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Muxlow PITTS S-1C - Registry model: [Muxlow PITTS S-1C](https://openairdocs.org/model/muxlow-pitts-s-1c) (registry code 722024V) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 1970DM - Engines: Lycoming O-320 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Daniel Muxlow - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: DVT ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,500 total, 400 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 194 °F, dew point 93 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: PHX ## 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 20000404007529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000404007529A), Apr 4, 2000: Amtr PITTSS1C, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. (-23) The aircraft departed dvt on 04/04/00 at approximately 1800 hours on runway 7R. After climbing to 2500 feet pilot reduced power to climb setting. The… 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.