Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The operation of an unregistered and unairworthy airplane by a non-certificated pilot. Contributing to the accident was the non-certificated pilot’s improper preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to water/debris contamination in the fuel.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On July 21, 2012, at 1500 central daylight time, an unregistered and float-equipped, amateur built-experimental Eipper Quicksilver MXL Sport II airplane, sustained substantial damage after a total loss of engine power while maneuvering to land on Lake Shinanguag near Goodrich, Michigan. The non-certificated pilot sustained minor injuries and his passenger was seriously hurt. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The non-certificated pilot said that shortly after he departed the lake, he elected to return to land due to turbulence. While on the downwind leg, the engine stopped producing power. He was unable to land back on the water and collided with a tree adjacent to the shoreline. When the airplane was examined, water was found in the carburetor bowls and fuel lines. What appeared to be fuel tank material was also found in the fuel filter and main fuel tank. A review of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records revealed the airplane had not been issued an FAA airworthiness certificate.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12LA483