Probable cause
The pilot’s improper management of the fuel mixture, which resulted in an over-rich fuel mixture condition and a subsequent partial loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, during taxi and takeoff, he set the engine fuel mixture control to the full-rich position. While in the crosswind turn, the engine lost partial power, and the pilot made a forced landing in a forested area. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder's spark plugs were completely carbon-fouled and that the Nos. 2 through 4 cylinders' spark plugs were badly sooted. It is likely that the pilot did not properly manage the engine mixture, which led to an over-rich fuel mixture condition during the takeoff and resulted in a partial loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA478 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 10, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Killeen, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Killeen Skylark Field Airport (KILE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built BA-100
- N-number
- N27BD
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.