RV14A - ASN Report - N14NP

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A2022
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RV14A - ASN Report - N14NP

Post by A2022 »

RV14A - ASN Report - N14NP

well, if the EFI loses all power the engine stops. make sure the wiring and crimps are good.

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/ ... 193019/pdf


On September 4, 2023, about 1100 central daylight time, an RV-14A airplane, N14NP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Orchard, Texas. The pilot and pilot-rated-passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot had purchased the airplane about one month before the accident. According to the pilot, about 10 minutes into the accident flight, he noticed the left and right battery indications on the instrument panel turned on and off several times. About 8 minutes later, he noticed a loss of electrical power to the secondary electronic flight instrument system (EFIS)and several other avionics, but there was still power to the primary EFIS and the engine continued to operate normally. The pilot turned back toward his home airport and flew for another 10 minutes until the airplane lost all electrical power. Since the airplane was equipped with an electronic fuel injection and ignition system, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot made a forced landing to a field and the airplane came to rest upright.

The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector stated that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. During the initial examination, the inspector found a broken alternator belt and associated black rubber marks on the inside of the engine cowling. The second alternator’s belt remained intact.

The airplane has been retained for a detailed examination.

nice paint

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Steve Melton
N531EM, RV9A, Superior O-320, WW 200RV prop, Slick mags, CHT 330F, EGT 1300F, B&C, 1300+ hours
Freedom and Democracy are all that really matter.
Ride a bike, unlock the world.
https://www.rvplasticparts.com/

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A2022
Class B
Posts: 2004
Joined: Sat Mar 05, 2022 8:52 am
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Contact:

Re: RV14A - Final Report - N14NP

Post by A2022 »

RV14A - Final Report - N14NP

well, if your aircraft has a battery dependent engine, you better fully understand how the electrical system functions.

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/ ... 193019/pdf

***************

Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The No. 2 alternator belt was broken. It was found inside the engine cowling, and the cowling had black rubber marks on its inside surface. The No. 1 alternator belt remained intact.

During a subsequent examination, the two batteries did not show any voltage when tested with a multimeter. The two alternators were wired such that the No. 2 alternator was the only alternator charging the batteries. When tested, the No. 2 alternator worked as expected with no issues. The examination revealed no other mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have resulted in a loss of electrical or engine power. The airplane was equipped with an electronic ignition and injection system.

The pilot stated that the alternator indication lights were not wired to turn on when the alternators are offline. The airplane builder told the pilot that he relied on the ammeters, which are displayed digitally on the EFIS, to show alternator functionality. The builder also told the pilot that the only indication that an alternator was working was when the needle pointed up on the corresponding ammeter.
Steve Melton
N531EM, RV9A, Superior O-320, WW 200RV prop, Slick mags, CHT 330F, EGT 1300F, B&C, 1300+ hours
Freedom and Democracy are all that really matter.
Ride a bike, unlock the world.
https://www.rvplasticparts.com/

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