Summary
On October 22, 2005, a Chamberlain Vans RV6 (N296PC) was involved in an accident near Eunice, LA. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The loss of engine power for undetermined reason. A contributing factor was lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
The 781-hour private pilot, was performing a maintenance test flight following the installation of four overhauled engine cylinders in his tail wheel-equipped homebuilt airplane. Following the break-in runs for the new cylinders, the pilot elected to depart the uncontrolled private airstrip. During the climb out, while climbing through approximately 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the engine stopped producing power. After an unsuccessful restart, the pilot made a 180 degree turn in an attempt to return to the airport. When he was unable to reach the airport, the pilot elected to land in a pasture. While attempting to make the pasture, the airplane impacted a three foot levee at the edge of a rice field before coming to rest in an upright position.
This accident is documented in NTSB report DFW06CA015. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N296PC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The loss of engine power for undetermined reason. A contributing factor was lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The 781-hour private pilot, was performing a maintenance test flight following the installation of four overhauled engine cylinders in his tail wheel-equipped homebuilt airplane. Following the break-in runs for the new cylinders, the pilot elected to depart the uncontrolled private airstrip. During the climb out, while climbing through approximately 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the engine stopped producing power. After an unsuccessful restart, the pilot made a 180 degree turn in an attempt to return to the airport. When he was unable to reach the airport, the pilot elected to land in a pasture. While attempting to make the pasture, the airplane impacted a three foot levee at the edge of a rice field before coming to rest in an upright position. Inspection of the airplane at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, revealed that the right fuel tank contained approximately 12 gallons of fuel, while the left tank was breached and appeared to be empty. The quantity of oil in the engine was found to be at "normal" levels. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW06CA015