AARDEMA ROBERT JOHN 1 AARDEMA RAG WNG SP
Oshtemo, MI — October 29, 2010
Event Information
| Date | October 29, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN11CA047 |
| Event ID | 20101102X00632 |
| Location | Oshtemo, MI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.28889, -85.75000 |
| Airport | Newman's Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AARDEMA ROBERT JOHN |
| Model | 1 AARDEMA RAG WNG SP |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The failure of the ignition system wiring, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that just after takeoff and during the initial climb, the airplane's engine suddenly lost power and the propeller stopped. The airplane's altitude when the power loss occurred was about 400 feet above the ground. The pilot attempted to return to the departure runway but realized that he did not have sufficient altitude. The airplane impacted trees and the ground in a wooded area near the runway. All of the biplane's wing surfaces were fragmented during the accident and the fuselage came to rest nose down. The airplane was powered by a converted automobile engine. Examination of the airplane revealed that the ignition high voltage coil wire had separated from the coil. The coil wire was re-inserted into the coil and the engine was able to be started. The engine could not be run to full power due to the fragmented propeller. The coil wire was held in place by a friction fit. No other means of retention was provided.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.