Niva THORP T-18 N6GN

Summary

On 19 August 2007 at about 13:28 local time, a Niva THORP T-18 registered N6GN, operated by Scott M. Schlander, was involved in an accident near Wellington, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 August 2007 at 13:28

Classification

Accident

Location

Wellington, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Wellington Aero Club (FD38)

Coordinates

26.6411, -80.2897

Aircraft

Niva THORP T-18

Registration

N6GN

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Scott M. Schlander

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Wellington → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL07LA116

2 people died.

A loss of engine power due to a partially blocked intake manifold and water contamination of the fuel.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses stated that they observed the airplane in level flight, about 300 feet above the ground, when the engine quit. The airplane was then observed executing a left turn in an attempt to return to the airport. During the left turn, the airplane began to descend at a rapid rate, then impacted the ground. Examination of the engine by the Federal Aviation Administration found that the engine rotated freely and had continuity through the accessory section. Water was observed in various portions of the fuel system, with the most significant amount of water found in the electric fuel pump. The foam air filter element was found lodged in the inlet of the throttle body, which would have obstructed air flow into the engine causing it to quit. Normally, the filter element would be positioned at the opening of the induction system intake. The pilot’s father indicated that the pilot had previous problems starting the engine when it was at operating temperatures.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.