Aviation Crash Map

Freeman SUPER KOALA N220FF

24 August 2010 · Traverse City, Michigan, United States · Minor injuries

Summary

On 24 August 2010 at about 15:10 local time, a Freeman SUPER KOALA registered N220FF was involved in an accident near Traverse City, Michigan, 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.

The record

Date
at 15:10
Classification
Accident
Location
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
Nearest airport
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Coordinates
44.6944, -85.6967
Aircraft
Freeman SUPER KOALA
Registration
N220FF
Category
Airplane
Engines
1
Operator
Not recorded
Operating rule
Part 91: General Aviation
Purpose of flight
Personal
Phase of flight
Not recorded
Route
Traverse City → Traverse City
Aircraft damage
Substantial
Weather
VMC
Light
Day
NTSB number
CEN10LA498

People

1 person had minor injuries.

On board Died Serious Minor Uninjured
1 0 0 1 0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to the improper torquing of the number one cylinder's spark plug as a result of inadequate maintenance.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported a loss of engine power during cruise flight. He elected to land in the only open space available, which was comprised of rising terrain. During the approach to the field, the left wing dropped and the airplane turned to the left before impact. A postaccident examination of the number one cylinder exhaust port revealed an accumulation of carbon. The number one cylinder’s spark plug could be loosened by hand in indication that it was not properly secured prior to impact; removal of that plug revealed that it exhibited a fouled appearance. The engine's maintenance manual indicated that the spark plugs are to be tightened on a cold engine to 240-inch pounds of torque. The airplane’s airworthiness was maintained by the owner/pilot under a conditional maintenance program.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.

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