Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Pietenpol Sky Scout, N1932G: Accident occurred September 07, 2019 at Old Kingsbury Aerodrome (85TE) Kingsbury, Guadalupe County, Texas

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Antonio, Texas

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N1932G

Location: Kingsbury, TX
Accident Number: CEN19LA306
Date & Time: 09/07/2019, 1007 CDT
Registration: N1932G
Aircraft: Pietenpol Sky Scout
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On September 7, 2019, about 1007 central daylight time, an amateur-built Pietenpol Sky Scout airplane, N1932G, impacted terrain during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Old Kingsbury Aerodrome (85TE), Kingsbury, Texas. The airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by Freeman Heritage Collection LLC as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.

The airplane builder reported that the airplane had accumulated 34.43 hours since it was built in 1999. The airplane was powered by a Ford model A engine, serial number A416526. The airplane builder stated that the water-cooled engine had undergone recent maintenance to resolve an excessive water temperature condition. Specifically, the engine had been disassembled and the cylinder bores were reamed to increase clearances. The engine was reassembled following the cylinder maintenance and remounted on the airplane. The airplane builder reported that there were no anomalies with engine operation during post-maintenance ground testing, and that the engine had normal water temperatures throughout the ground tests. The airplane builder stated that the engine was run for at least an hour before the accident flight.

The pilot, who was not present for the recent engine maintenance or ground testing, reported that the purpose of the flight was to verify proper engine operation and to monitor water temperature during a local flight over the airport. The pilot completed a short ground test of the engine, during which the engine developed a maximum speed 2,100 rpm with no anomalies. After a short break, the pilot restarted the engine and taxied for a takeoff on runway 14 (2,600 ft by 100 ft, grass/turf). The pilot reported that the takeoff roll and liftoff were uneventful and that the engine was developing 2,100 rpm. The pilot stated that after a short climb he made a shallow right turn before he entered a climbing left turn to remain close to the airport. The pilot stated that the airplane had a total loss of engine power during the left turn, about 7 seconds after liftoff. The pilot recalled hearing the engine "sputter" as it decelerated from takeoff power toward idle. The pilot stated that he pushed the control stick forward to reduce the airplane's angle-of-attack; however, the airplane impacted terrain in a nose low, wings level attitude.

There were several witnesses to the accident who reported that there was a total loss of engine power shortly after liftoff. A couple witnesses reported that the airplane impacted terrain in a left wing low, nose down attitude. One witness reported that after the loss of engine power the left wing dropped as the airplane entered an aerodynamic spin into terrain.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Pietenpol
Registration: N1932G
Model/Series: Sky Scout
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built:Yes 
Operator: Freeman Heritage Collection LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: SEQ, 525 ft msl
Observation Time:0958 CDT 
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 23°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 1900 ft agl
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 210°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:None 
Departure Point: Kingsbury, TX (85TE)
Destination: Kingsbury, TX (85TE)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 29.634167, -97.811667 (est)

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