Schuler T BIRD II N31774

Summary

On 12 August 1996 at about 00:22 local time, a Schuler T BIRD II registered N31774 was involved in an accident near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 August 1996 at 00:22

Classification

Accident

Location

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, United States

Coordinates

43.7699, -88.4397

Aircraft

Schuler T BIRD II

Registration

N31774

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI96LA286

2 people were seriously injured.

loss of engine power because of improperly insulated ignition wiring. Factors relating to the accident were improper maintenance; and high obstructions in the emergency landing area, which the pilot had to avoid, resulting in a collision with terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that the engine lost power during the initial takeoff climb. Inspection of the accident site revealed that the airplane cleared a row of 30 foot tall trees at the end of the airstrip before impacting terrain about 10 feet beyond the trees. The inspection of the airplane revealed that a soldered ignition wire was not properly insulated. No other discrepancy was noted.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.