Accident Details
On January 20, 2024, at approximately 1320 central standard time, a Lockwood Air Cam airplane, registered N1230R, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Liberty Hill, Texas. The aircraft was operating as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
According to the pilot, the airplane was on final approach to Fly Navy Airport (TA60) in Liberty Hill when he reduced power and both engines experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing toward the runway, and the airplane struck a berm. The left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The fuel tanks remained intact and contained usable fuel.
Aircraft and Engine Details
The Lockwood Air Cam was equipped with two Rotax 912 ULS engines, each supplied with fuel from separate, independent fuel tanks and systems. Both engines had an aftermarket Zipper Big Bore kit installed. Additionally, an aftermarket carburetor heat system was present, which utilized engine coolant routed through a water jacket housing positioned between the intake manifolds and carburetors. The carburetor heat system was tested and found to function properly.
Investigation Findings
Examination revealed that the carburetor bowls on each engine contained clean fuel consistent with 91 octane ethanol-free automotive fuel. The carburetors showed no malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Multiple postaccident engine test runs were conducted on both engines at various power settings, and no mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified.
A modification was found on both engines: the crossover tube between the two intake manifolds had an increased inside diameter. Visible fuel stains were observed at the threaded hose connectors, but the induction system did not leak when tested.
The Dynon SV-D1000 data recorder was sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Division for data extraction. No anomalies were found within the recorded data to explain the simultaneous loss of power to both engines.