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NTSB report on ES # N600MT (fatal) is below. While NTSB sited pilot failure
to maintain speed, it sounds unclear (to me) as to whether there may have
been engine (or fuel) as a contributing factor.
Also, attached is a photo of ES # N55ES. Looks to be a pretty bad crackup,
but it could have perhaps also been hurricane damage etc (prop damage seems
to indicate in flight crash). I heard it was in Mexico, thus no NTSB
report. If it was in-flight, that makes 2 ES's cracked up. (not verified).
Rick Titsworth
NTSB report on ES # N600MT (fatal)
May 16, 2002 in Hattiesburg, MS
Witnesses observed the airplane as the pilot conducted touch-and-go
landings. On the last take-off, witnesses stated that they heard a popping
sound, and they observed the airplane in a steep right turn. Then they heard
a series of three rapid pops and the airplane went nose down and impacted
the ground in a wooded area and an explosion was heard. Examination of the
airplane found it completely destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. The
engine was recovered and sent to Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc. for
further examination. Examination of the engine found extensive impact and
post-crash fire damage. The number 6 exhaust rocker arm was missing, the
number 6 head was broken at the exhaust area during impact, tearing off the
rocker arm and support boss structure. The magnetos and fuel system
components had extensive fire damage not allowing further testing. There was
no evidence found during the engine examination that would have contributed
to a power loss.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of
this accident as follows: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during
takeoff which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with
the ground.
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