Summary
On July 17, 2020, a Vans RV 8 (N508CM) was involved in an incident near Grimes, CA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not examined.
On July 17, 2020, about 1345 Pacific daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built RV-8 airplane, N508CM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Grimes, California. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot stated that he landed the airplane at a friend’s private airstrip and taxied back to take off again. During the takeoff roll, the engine lost power and he aborted the takeoff. Later that day, the engine was examined by a mechanic, who was unable to find any anomalies. After the mechanic cleared the airplane for flight, the pilot taxied to the runway, performed two run-up checks, and then proceeded to take off.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR20LA225. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N508CM.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not examined.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 17, 2020, about 1345 Pacific daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built RV-8 airplane, N508CM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Grimes, California. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot stated that he landed the airplane at a friend’s private airstrip and taxied back to take off again. During the takeoff roll, the engine lost power and he aborted the takeoff. Later that day, the engine was examined by a mechanic, who was unable to find any anomalies. After the mechanic cleared the airplane for flight, the pilot taxied to the runway, performed two run-up checks, and then proceeded to take off. About 50 to 70 ft above ground level, the engine again lost partial power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a corn field, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
The airplane wreckage was sold before an examination could be scheduled; therefore, the reason for the 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# WPR20LA225