Pilot Debrief

Paul B. Johnson Avid Mark IV near Nampa, ID — 2009-08-21

Final reportWPR09CA415
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Date
2009-08-21
Location
Nampa, ID, USA
Aircraft
Paul B. Johnson Avid Mark IV
Registration
N333PD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The airplane's encounter with tall vegetation that ensnared the landing gear during an off-field precautionary landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that prior to departing on the test flight he checked all of the rigging, as well as the oil and coolant levels. After performing a takeoff and landing, he stopped and rechecked all fluids. Then he departed to a test area to evaluate slow flight and turn characteristics. The pilot then turned back towards the airport when he observed the coolant temperatures rising, and within a few seconds he could smell coolant. He reduced power, set up an approach to a level field and monitored the temperatures to avoid overheating the engine. The pilot reported that he landed in a bean field, and about 100 feet into the landing roll the bean plants got caught in the landing gear; the airplane subsequently nosed over onto its back. The pilot reported damage to the empennage and fuselage, and that there was no postcrash fire. The pilot further reported that the cause of the engine overheating was the result of a coolant leak from the left intake manifold gasket.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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