Thunderbird TOP DOG UL N2574V

Summary

On 29 May 2010 at about 13:25 local time, a Thunderbird TOP DOG UL registered N2574V, operated by Comer Kenton R, was involved in an accident near Luling, Texas, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

29 May 2010 at 13:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Luling, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Carter Memorial Airport (KT91)

Coordinates

29.7283, -97.6592

Aircraft

Thunderbird TOP DOG UL

Registration

N2574V

Engines

1

Operator

Comer Kenton R

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Luling → Luling

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN10LA279

1 person was seriously injured.

Poor engine performance due to the modified engine parameters and installation of the fuel nozzles which produced a lean fuel condition resulting in decreased aircraft performance and subsequent impact with the trees.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

While attempting to take off, the airplane impacted a tree line and terrain. A postaccident engine examination revealed signs of inadequate maintenance, including finger-tight spark plugs, an obstructed air vent line, and evidence of water intrusion in the carburetor bowls. An engine test run determined that full power could not be achieved with the combination of installed engine components. The installed main jets produced a lean fuel condition that resulted in a loss of engine power before maximum rpm could be achieved. After replacing the components with stock components, the engine produced normal engine performance.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.