N1FB

On December 22, 2024, about 1639 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Van’s RV-7A, N1FB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Gila Bend, Arizona. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that about four minutes after departing Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR), Phoenix, Arizona, he leveled off at 4,400 ft msl and felt abnormal vibrations emanating from the engine. To troubleshoot the anomaly, he slowly enriched the mixture, and the engine continued to run rough. Additionally, he ensured that the fuel selector was in right fuel tank position and in the detent, the propeller control was full forward, and full throttle was applied, however, engine RPM appeared to be decreasing. The pilot stated that manipulation of the mixture control had no corresponding effect and he noticed that there was a lack of tension on the mixture control cable. He moved the throttle control about halfway toward idle, and the engine roughness slightly subsided, and engine appeared to lose total power. The pilot applied full throttle which produced a corresponding yet intermittent surge in engine power.

The pilot contacted Albuquerque Center, transmitted that he had an engine failure, and made a left turn toward Gila Bend Municipal Airport (E63), Gila Bend, Arizona. Unable to make it to E63, the pilot initiated a forced landing to a field with tall desert vegetation. During the landing, the airplane nosed over. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the left wing sustained substantial damage.

The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.