Atkinson EAGLET N5AQ

Summary

On 13 April 2016 at about 16:30 local time, a Atkinson EAGLET registered N5AQ, operated by John Charter, was involved in an accident near Deland, Florida, 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

13 April 2016 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Deland, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Bob Lee Flight Strip (1J6)

Coordinates

29.1042, -81.3147

Aircraft

Atkinson EAGLET

Registration

N5AQ

Category

Glider

Year built

1982

Engines

2

Operator

John Charter

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Deland → Deland

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA16LA156

1 person had minor injuries.

A total loss of engine power during initial climb due to a separation of the ignition plug.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The sport pilot of the experimental, amateur-built motorglider reported that, after takeoff, the primary engine experienced a total loss of power about 75 ft above ground level, and the secondary engine was unable to maintain the motorglider's altitude. The pilot tried to make a 180° turn back to the airport, but the motorglider lost altitude and struck the top of pine trees. The primary engine was a 17-hp reciprocating engine designed for use in model aircraft, and the secondary engine was an electric motor. Both engines were necessary to produce enough power for takeoff. The pilot stated that, after takeoff, the motorglider encountered turbulence, which likely resulted in the separation of the primary engine's ignition plug.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.