Fithian FALCON XP UNREG

Summary

On 3 July 1998 at about 00:30 local time, a Fithian FALCON XP registered UNREG was involved in an accident near Mahopac, New York, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 July 1998 at 00:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Mahopac, New York, United States

Nearest airport

Mahopac (N77)

Coordinates

41.3603, -73.7390

Aircraft

Fithian FALCON XP

Registration

UNREG

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

NYC98LA140

1 person was seriously injured.

The failure of the engine crankshaft, which resulted in a loss of engine power, and the pilot's improper decision to conduct flight over terrain unsuitable for the completion of a forced landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The private pilot was giving flight instruction to a student pilot in the airplane when the engine lost power. According to the pilot, after a simulated 'engine out' approach to the runway, the student pilot (SP) applied power to go around. About 50 to 100 feet above the trees located at the end of the runway, the pilot heard a loud 'screeching' sound, which was followed by a loss of engine power. During the forced landing, the airplane struck trees, spun around and impacted the ground. The airplane's engine continued to operate after the impact, but the propeller was not turning. Examination of the uncertified engine revealed, the crankshaft had separated between the front and rear cylinder. The pilot was operating the aircraft as an ultralight; however the FAA determined it was an unregistered experimental airplane. The pilot possessed a certificated repairman license for the airplane and stated he inspected the airplane according to manufacturer's recommendations. He did not possess an airframe or powerplant license. The engine manufacturer operating maual indicates the engine is uncertified and states in part 'This engine, by its design, is subject to sudden stoppage! ..Never fly the aircraft equipped with this engine at locations, airspeeds, altitudes, or other circumstances from which a successful no-power landing cannot be made, after sudden engine stoppage.'

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.