On June 19, 2007, a Harpster HAWK AERO TANDEM (registration N4022P) was involved in an aviation accident near Southern Pines, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power during cruise due to the piston seizure for undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain the pilot encountered during the forced landing. A factor was the rising terrain of the mound that the airplane impacted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An experimental amateur-built Hawk Aero Tandem airplane sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing after losing engine power. The pilot reported restarting the engine twice before the loss. A witness observed liquid in the fuel tank.
Accident Details
An experimental amateur-built Hawk Aero Tandem airplane sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing. The pilot reported that he lost engine power after restarting the engine twice. During the landing, the aircraft impacted a mound with its nose landing gear. A witness observed liquid in the fuel tank when the airplane was disassembled.
Engine and Fuel Information
The airplane was powered by a Hirth 2706 fuel-injected engine. The Blue Max two-cycle oil's recommended fuel and oil ratio was 100:1. However, an engine manual supplement noted that the recommended fuel and oil mixture was 90:1 for fuel-injected engines. The pilot reported that he used a 100:1 fuel/oil ratio.
A representative of the engine repair facility stated, "This engine experienced a piston seizure of the mag[neto] end piston. ... The PTO side piston is undamaged and from inspection of this cylinder it appears that possibly there was too lean of an oil mix in the fuel."
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Jun 2007 Harpster HAWK AERO TANDEM accident near Southern Pines, NC?
An experimental amateur-built Hawk Aero Tandem airplane sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing after losing engine power. The pilot reported restarting the engine twice before the loss. A witness observed liquid in the fuel tank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Jun 2007 involved a Harpster HAWK AERO TANDEM, registration N4022P, at Southern Pines, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of engine power during cruise due to the piston seizure for undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain the pilot encountered during the forced landing. A factor was the rising terrain of the mound that the airplane impacted.
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