N835RA

Substantial
None

APPEL RDA 04S/N: 82835

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
NTSB Number
LAX06CA007
Location
Clovis, NM
Event ID
20051104X01790
Coordinates
34.424999, -103.079170
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

a loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. The inadequate placement of the fuel system drain by the builder was a factor.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
APPEL
Serial Number
82835
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
RDA 04
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
R D A 04

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ASHLEY WILLIAM G
Address
402 SR 523
City
TEXICO
State / Zip Code
NM 88135-9781
Country
United States

Analysis

This report is based on information received by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

The airplane impacted terrain while attempting to return to the runway following a loss of engine power at Clovis Municipal Airport, Clovis, New Mexico. The pilot/owner reported that he had sumped the fuel system prior to the flight. After the accident, the pilot sumped the fuel tanks and found water. The pilot found that the placement of the fuel drain did not facilitate the removal of water from the wing tanks.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX06CA007