Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI95LA333

BLOUNTSVILLE, IN, USA

Aircraft #1

N22036

FAIRCHILD FA-24

Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE CRUISING AT APPROXIMATELY 5,000 TO 5,500 FEET MSL, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER. HE DIVERTED BACK TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING FINAL APPROACH, THE AIRPLANE HAD TOO MUCH AIRSPEED AND HE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS GOING TO LAND LONG, SO HE DECIDED TO PERFORM A GO-AROUND. DURING THE GO-AROUND, WITH THE FLAPS STILL EXTENDED, THE AIRPLANE WAS UNABLE TO GAIN ALTITUDE. THE PILOT TURNED THE AIRPLANE TO AVOID IMPACTING TREES WHICH WERE LOCATED AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE LOST LIFT AND IMPACTED A FIELD. POSTACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL ANOMALIES.

Factual Information

On September 25, 1995, at 1240 central daylight time (cdt), a Fairchild FA-24, N22036, was destroyed following a partial loss of engine power and subsequent precautionary landing in Blountsville, Indiana. The private pilot reported minor injuries. The local 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight originated from Starkey's Airport in Mooreland, Indiana, at 1200 cdt. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was on file. The pilot reported that while cruising at approximately 5,000 to 5,500 feet msl, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. He decided to fly back to his departure airport to land, which was approximately one mile away. The pilot stated that while the airplane was descending, the engine maintained a maximum RPM of 2000. He stated that during final approach, the airplane had too much airspeed and he believed that it was going to land long, so he decided to perform a go-around. He stated the airplane was losing altitude as it was trying to climb during the go-around with the flaps still extended. The pilot turned the airplane to avoid impacting trees which were located at the end of the runway. The airplane lost lift and impacted a field. Postaccident investigation revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine. The airplane logbook shows the last inspection was an annual inspection performed on October 25, 1994. The airplane has logged thirty minutes of flight time since the inspection.

Probable Cause and Findings

partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's improper in-flight planing/decision. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's misuse of flaps, and his encounter with high obstruction during the forced landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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