Evidence shows that the engine quit on Kyle Franklin’s Waco during an air show in March, but NTSB investigators had no luck finding out why, according to the board’s final report, published this week. Franklin’s wife, Amanda, who performed as a wingwalker in the show, suffered extensive burns in the forced landing and died about two months later. “Post-accident examination of the engine and its fuel system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operations,” the NTSB concluded.
The NTSB says that according to Franklin, the airplane was trailered to the air show venue and then assembled for flight. The day prior to the accident, Franklin completed a solo show, and during the taxi back to the ramp with the throttle at idle, the engine quit. The airplane was towed to the ramp for inspection. After completing a visual inspection of the engine with no problems noted, Franklin test-ran the engine at various power settings for about 15 minutes. No anomalies with the engine were noted during the test run. About an hour before the accident flight, Franklin flew a solo performance with no problems. About 15 minutes before the accident flight, an engine run-up and magneto check found no issues, but about five minutes in the the performance, the engine lost power.
