Accident Number: CEN21LA273
Date and Time: June 16, 2021, 07:30 Local
Registration: N878TD
Aircraft: TONY DUBEANSKY RV10
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Factual Information
On June 16, 2021, about 0730 central daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built RV-10 airplane, N878TD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Worth, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot departed Hicks Airfield (T67), Fort Worth, Texas, about 0700 and headed northwest before returning to T67. The pilot reported that, during the initial climb following a touch-and-go landing, the engine backfired and lost power about 200 ft above ground level (agl). As the airplane descended, it collided with a power line before impact with terrain and a tree. The pilot added that the engine continued to run before the impact but did not develop enough power to maintain altitude. The airplane sustained damage to the landing gear, engine, and substantial damage to the fuselage during the accident.
Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine was equipped with an electronic ignition system, (labeled as #1 and #2) and automotive-style sparkplugs. The sparkplugs and valve covers were removed from each cylinder and the engine rotated by hand. Continuity through the valve train to the accessory section was noted. The bottom set of sparkplugs appeared wet and black in color.
The ignition system was field tested by passing a magnet over the flywheel ignition sensor; spark was only observed on one bank of the ignition system. The ignition leads and coil labels did not necessarily correspond to the associated cylinder. The ignition firing order was not confirmed.
The ignition control boxes were located behind the firewall, and the fuselage was cut open to allow access to the boxes. The output cable on ignition box #1 was found disconnected.
The pin connectors were fully secured. Additionally, as mounted, access to the boxes were limited and could only be done from under the instrument panel and by reaching above the rudder pedals.
Pilot Information
Certificate: Private
Age: 67
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification: Class 3 With waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 13, 2021
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: September 15, 2020
Flight Time: 465 hours (Total, all aircraft), 23 hours (Total, this make and model), 454 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: TONY DUBEANSKY
Registration: N878TD
Model/Series: RV10
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental (Special)
Serial Number: 40669
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: January 12, 2021 Condition
Certified Max Gross Wt.:
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 23 Hrs at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-540-A1D5
Registered Owner:
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KAFW
Distance from Accident Site: 5 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 07:53 Local
Direction from Accident Site: 30°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 25000 ft AGL
Visibility: 10 miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.05 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 25°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Fort Worth, TX
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Fort Worth, TX
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:
Airport Information
Airport: Hicks Airfield T67
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 855 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 14
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3760 ft / 60 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced landing; Touch and go
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries:
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries:
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.93023,-97.411447(est)
