This September 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Aventura II. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Boca Raton, Fla. Aircraft damage: Destroyed.
What reportedly happened: The 155-hour pilot, 78, held a private pilot certificate, but had not flown the airplane for the 2-½ months before the accident. He took off with the intent of practicing full-stop landings at the towered airport.
As the airplane turned onto the crosswind leg a witness reported hearing the engine sputtering. The pilot was cleared to land. He acknowledge the clearance and there were no more communications between him and the tower. The tower controller saw the airplane descend below the tree line. While maneuvering, the airplane stalled and hit a road, crashing a mile from the runway.
The airplane was equipped with a BRS parachute, which was not deployed. A review of the data plate attached to the canister revealed it was built in December 1997, and was not valid for use after December 2001.
The post-accident examination of the airplane revealed an improper assembly of both carburetors, which could have caused an excessively rich fuel to air ratio. No airframe pre-impact failure or malfunction was noted, and no determination could be made as to who improperly assembled the carburetors.
Probable cause: The improper assembly of both carburetors, resulting in an excessively rich fuel to air ratio and subsequent partial loss of engine power.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: ERA09LA500
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