Keith Holm wrote:

* Anyone hear anything re the recent accident involving powersport powered

engine , I think in a VELOCITY ?

* Hello List Members, and a Happy New Year to all from Powersport Aviation.

* Thank you for your patience in waiting for information regarding the
Velocity N214KW.  Both Powersport, and the NTSB want people to learn as much
as possible from this incident, which is why we traveled to the builders
home to thoroughly document the aircraft, and within a few days we will have
many pictures and a complete incident report posted on our web site,
www.powersportaviation.com .  We will never know for certain what chain of
events caused the engine to quite running, but we can say with certainty
that the customer built exhaust system (321 Stainless) failed, resulting in
extreme localized under cowl temperatures. Our data collection computer
documented that the engine management system was functional at all times
during flight until being switched off by the pilot after the forced
landing.  Likewise, the customer did an excellent job of integrating all
mechanical and electrical systems, which were all functional during the post
incident investigation.

* As stated earlier, we will post details on our website, but I must clear
up a few erroneous conclusions;

o The flight was NOT at NIGHT!!

o The experienced test pilot was not hurt

o The mystery items on the firewall are fuel filters.  The cooling fins were
not used

* We realize you will likely have may additional questions, and encourage
you to read the report on our website, and view the pictures in an effort to
fully understand the functionality of this integration.  Powersport does not
currently offer an integration package for Velocity, and this integration
was professionally complete by the builder.  His workmanship was second to
none with many creative ideas that worked quite well.  Pusher aircraft
present unique challenges with regards to cooling and even the space
available to fit an efficient exhaust system, which in this case resulted in
an exhaust system design that could not be supported fully, and could not
accommodate the differential expansion of the primary pipes.  The builder
effectively built a light weight SS heat shield around his exhaust ( this
was wrapped in header wrap, not the exhaust tubes themselves) to shield
other components from IR heat. As Paul has stated, all exhausts should be
equipped with a good heat shield, which in this situation likely prevented
fire from starting .

* A note related to test flights;  We know from the data recorder that the
pilot of N214KW had 45 seconds of flight from the time of power loss until
the off field landing.  Had the pilot been orbiting the airfield at the time
of power loss, an exceptionally nice Velocity would not need re-building at
this time.  We are thankful that Velocity designed a high quality kit, which
protected the pilot, and that only "time and money" were lost.  We do
realize that there are always other circumstances in that influence each
flight, but ask that all keep the basic safety rules in mind, especially
during flight-testing.

Keith Holm
Manager
Powersport Aviation

*  BTW We are back on line after the holidays.

What wall thickness was the 321 stainless exhaust tubing  Keith?

Paul Lamar

 
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