Engine Power Loss During Take-off at Weston Airport

Casualties unknown • IE

A training flight in an APEX DR400/140B experienced a partial engine failure during climb-out, resulting in an emergency landing on the grass.

What happened

On 23 November 2007, an APEX DR400/140B, registration EI-SKL, was performing training circuits at Weston Airport, Co. Kildare. While the aircraft was in a climb at approximately 200 to 300 feet after departing Runway 25, it experienced a sudden loss of approximately 40% to 50% of engine power.

Upon recognizing the partial engine failure, the instructor declared an emergency. Despite the loss of thrust, the pilot determined it was safe to turn back to the reciprocal runway. The aircraft was successfully landed on the grass area to the left of Runway 07, eventually rolling to a nearby taxiway where the engine was shut down. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board, and the aircraft sustained no damage during the incident.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical cause of the power reduction. An examination of the Thielert TAE 125-01 engine revealed that a silicone hose connecting the turbocharger to the intercooler had slipped off the turbocharger outlet. Although a Wiggins clamp was still in place, it had failed to secure the hose, allowing ambient air to enter the intake instead of the necessary compressed air from the turbocharger. This caused a significant drop in manifold air pressure.

Investigators also reviewed recent maintenance history and manufacturer communications. The engine manufacturer had previously issued Service Bulletins regarding the prevention of hose slippage. Notably, a revised bulletin had instructed the use of a single clamp rather than the double-clamp configuration previously required. The investigation noted that the engine type was still in its development stages, and the frequent removal of components for maintenance could increase the risk of connection failures.

Findings

  • The engine power reduction was caused by the failure of the air connection between the turbocharger and the intercooler.
  • The silicone hose slipped from the turbocharger outlet, allowing uncompressed ambient air to enter the engine intake.
  • The air connection from the turbocharger to the intercooler failed when the adjoining hose slipped off.
  • Contaminants such as oil in the airflow may have contributed to the hose slipping over time.

Safety action

  • It is recommended that the engine manufacturer re-examine the design of the turbocharger pipe and hose connection to improve its security.

Probable cause

The engine power loss was caused by a silicone hose slipping off the turbocharger outlet, which allowed ambient air to enter the intake instead of compressed air, leading to a loss of manifold pressure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null aircraft accident near IE?

A training flight in an APEX DR400/140B experienced a partial engine failure during climb-out, resulting in an emergency landing on the grass.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration EI-SKL, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine power loss was caused by a silicone hose slipping off the turbocharger outlet, which allowed ambient air to enter the intake instead of compressed air, leading to a loss of manifold pressure.

Loading the flight search…

What you can do on Flight Finder

  • Search flights between any two airports with live fares.
  • By aircraft — pick a plane model (e.g. Boeing 787, Airbus A350) and see every route it flies from your origin.
  • Route map — click any airport worldwide to explore its destinations, or draw a radius to find nearby airports.
  • Global aviation safety — aviation accident database, 40,000+ records since 1980, with map and rankings by aircraft and operator.
  • NTSB safety feed — recent U.S. aviation accidents and incidents from the official NTSB CAROL database, updated daily.