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29 Oct 2010: AARDEMA ROBERT JOHN 1 AARDEMA RAG WNG SP — Oshtemo, MI

Oshtemo, MI, United States

On 29 Oct 2010, an AARDEMA ROBERT JOHN 1 AARDEMA RAG WNG SP was involved in an aviation accident near Oshtemo, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the ignition system wiring, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A biplane lost engine power shortly after takeoff when the ignition high voltage coil wire separated from the coil due to a friction fit without additional retention, forcing an attempted return to the runway that ended in a wooded area.

Accident Details

The pilot of a biplane reported that, just after takeoff and during the initial climb, the engine suddenly lost power and the propeller stopped. At the time of the power loss, the airplane was approximately 400 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to return to the departure runway but determined that he did not have sufficient altitude to do so. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and the ground in a wooded area near the runway.

Damage Description

All of the biplane's wing surfaces were fragmented during the accident sequence, and the fuselage came to rest with the nose pointing downward.

Engine and Examination Findings

The airplane was powered by a converted automobile engine. Examination of the engine revealed that the ignition high voltage coil wire had separated from the coil. When the coil wire was re-inserted into the coil, the engine was able to be started. However, due to the fragmented propeller, the engine could not be run to full power. The coil wire was held in place by a friction fit, and no other means of retention was provided.

Contributing factors

Ignition system wiring — Failure
Engine failure

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