Lutz EAA BIPLANE P-2 accident near Wellington, FL
On December 22, 1997, a Lutz EAA BIPLANE P-2 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Wellington, FL. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- December 22, 1997
- Place
- Wellington, FL
- Aircraft
- Lutz EAA BIPLANE P-2 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 26.650°N, 80.250°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001208X09265
NTSB summary
On December 22, 1997, about 1745 eastern standard time, a homebuilt Lutz Michael A. EAA Biplane P-2, N913AM, collided with the ground shortly after takeoff from Wellington Aero Club Airport, Wellington, Florida. The airplane was operated by the owner/pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airline transport pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed. The flight originated from the same airport at 1715. According to a witness, the airplane took off and flew in the pattern one time. On the second takeoff, the airplane reached an altitude of approximately 200-300 feet where the engine began to sputter. The witness stated the airplane then made an aggressive left turn back towards the runway during which the engine surged briefly. The airplane then disappeared from view, but the witness did hear the engine for 3 to 5 more seconds before it stopped abruptly. Another witness stated the airplane made a 180 degree turn back towards the runway before it spun into the ground. According to a pilot who had flown the airplane the day before the accident, the airplane had experienced carburetor icing . Upon adding carburetor heat, the engine sputtered and quit. The pilot was able to restart the engine and land safely. Upon landing, he replaced the air filter, jump started the battery, and adjusted the carburetor heat cable. According to the pilot, the airplane then performed fine. The pilot also stated he flew the airplane for 35 to 4
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to ensure the fuel selector was properly positioned to a tank with adequate fuel before takeoff, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power; failure of the pilot to accomplish the emergency procedure (restart the engine using another tank) after the loss of power; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, wh
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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
