1 fatal · MILLER GLENN F RV-12 · 2023-04-11 · Climax, NC, USA
Event
NTSB number
ERA23FA188
Event ID
20230411107039
Type
Accident
Date
2023-04-11
Location
Climax, NC, USA
Coordinates
35.933896, -79.683809
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
1
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
MILLER GLENN F
Model
RV-12
Registration
N543GM
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The airplane owner/builder’s inappropriate use of a lower grade fuel than that required by the airplane and engine operations manual, which resulted in engine detonation and the degradation and eventual obliteration of the Nos. 1 and 2 cylinder spark plug electrode tips. Contributing to the outcome was the pilots’ decision to continue flight at low altitude following a partial loss of engine power instead of performing an immediate precautionary landing, which resulted in collision with an overpass and terrain.