Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On February 6, 1995, at 1000 central standard time, a Corben Jr. Ace homebuilt airplane, N30CK, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Athens, Texas. The private pilot, owner and builder of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight.
The pilot reported a normal runup and takeoff from the Athens Municipal Airport for the airplane's third test flight. The engine lost power a few minutes after he departed the traffic pattern. He attempted a restart, but was unsuccessful. After landing in a pasture, the pilot turned "sharply" left to avoid a fence. The landing gear collapsed and the right rear wing spar was damaged.
The airplane was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who observed no mechanical anomalies in the airframe or engine. The pilot reported that the engine "sat in his shop for 2 years before it was installed on the airplane."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA108