Highsmith FERGY FII B N456MH

Summary

On 12 June 2005 at about 14:53 local time, a Highsmith FERGY FII B registered N456MH was involved in an accident near Chipley, Florida, 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 June 2005 at 14:53

Classification

Accident

Location

Chipley, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Crystal Village Airpark (2FL0)

Coordinates

30.4611, -85.6772

Aircraft

Highsmith FERGY FII B

Registration

N456MH

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Chipley → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA05LA122

2 people were seriously injured.

The seizing of the rear engine cylinder during takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in a collision with power lines and structural damage to the airplane during the forced landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during the takeoff-initial climb, about 200 feet above ground level, the engine's rpm was "slightly below normal." He confirmed the throttle position, and then initiated a left turn. The rpm began to gradually decrease, and he selected a clearing in an easement for a forced landing next to electrical power lines and trees. The airplane impacted the power lines, struck a tree with the left wing, and impacted the ground nose first. During a postaccident inspection, an FAA inspector established flight control continuity, and conducted an external check of the engine with no discrepancies noted. Fuel was present in the fuel system, and no defects were noted with the fuel system or the fuel. The pilot did a postaccident engine tear down examination. He stated he saw markings on the rear cylinder, consistent with it seizing during operation. The aluminum piston had scoring marks from the top to the bottom of the piston. The cylinder walls had light markings as well. He said he spoke with a Rotax authorized service facility, which informed him of reported cases of seized cylinders for undetermined reasons, and that after the engine cooled, the piston was able to move freely in the cylinder with a normal compression check afterwards.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.