Jerome D Fischer RV-7 N364SJ

Summary

On 5 May 2015 at about 14:24 local time, a Jerome D Fischer RV-7 registered N364SJ, operated by David Malmin, was involved in an accident near Bartow, Georgia, United States. One person was on board and 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

5 May 2015 at 14:24

Classification

Accident

Location

Bartow, Georgia, United States

Coordinates

32.8386, -82.6247

Aircraft

Jerome D Fischer RV-7

Registration

N364SJ

Category

Airplane

Year built

2011

Engines

1

Operator

David Malmin

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Swainsboro → Lawrenceville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA15LA205

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's use of the improper fuel grade for the engine, which resulted in detonation, engine damage, and loss of engine power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during cruise flight, he observed that the engine would not advance past 2,100 rpm, which was 300 rpm below the airplane's normal cruise power setting. The pilot's attempts to troubleshoot the engine issue were unsuccessful, and he chose to conduct a precautionary landing. Shortly after, the oil temperature increased, and oil covered the windshield. During the precautionary landing on a dirt road, the left wingtip impacted the ground and the airplane cart-wheeled, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and rudder. After the accident, about 10 gallons of 90-octane automotive gasoline (auto gas) were drained from the airplane. According to a service letter issued by the engine manufacturer, "Use of lower-than-specified octane fuel could cause detonation and mechanical damage to the engine." The service letter did not list 90-octane auto gas as an approved fuel for use in the accident engine. Examination of the engine also revealed significant thermal damage to the No. 1 cylinder, piston, and rings consistent with detonation, which likely resulted from the pilot's use of the improper fuel grade for the engine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.