Thunderbird Aviation TOP DOG UL accident near Luling, Texas, May 29, 2010
On May 29, 2010 at about 1:25 pm local time, a Thunderbird Aviation TOP DOG UL (weight-shift aircraft), registered N2574V, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Luling, Texas (Carter Memorial Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
Poor engine performance due to the modified engine parameters and installation of the fuel nozzles which produced a lean fuel condition resulting in decreased aircraft performance and subsequent impact with the trees.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- May 29, 2010 · about 1:25 pm local time
- Place
- Luling, Texas · Carter Memorial Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Thunderbird Aviation TOP DOG UL
- Registration
- N2574V · no longer on the register · serial TXA01TDA
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
While attempting to take off, the airplane impacted a tree line and terrain. A postaccident engine examination revealed signs of inadequate maintenance, including finger-tight spark plugs, an obstructed air vent line, and evidence of water intrusion in the carburetor bowls. An engine test run determined that full power could not be achieved with the combination of installed engine components. The installed main jets produced a lean fuel condition that resulted in a loss of engine power before maximum rpm could be achieved. After replacing the components with stock components, the engine produced normal engine performance.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Aircraft maintenance event during prior to flight
- Loss of engine power (partial) during takeoff defining event
- Runway excursion during takeoff
- Collision during takeoff/land during takeoff
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Power plant › (general) › Incorrect service/maintenance
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Aircraft capability › Takeoff distance › Attain/maintain not possible
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Powerplant parameters › Attain/maintain not possible
- Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine fuel and control › Fuel injector nozzle › Incorrect use/operation
Pilot
- Certificate: private, sport pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Medical certificate: Sport Pilot
- Seat: frt
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Last inspection: inspection type not recorded
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 503 DCDI (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: KT91 Luling TX
- Destination: KT91 Luling TX
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 77°F (25°C), dew point 66°F (19°C)
- Altimeter: 29.85 inHg
- Observation at 1:15 pm from KHYI, 14 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Other NTSB records under N2574V the same tail number, which may have belonged to a different aircraft at the time
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.