Pilot Debrief

Mercer Avid Flyer Mk IV near Augusta, KS — 2008-06-21

Final reportDEN08LA108
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Date
2008-06-21
Location
Augusta, KS, USA
Aircraft
Mercer Avid Flyer Mk IV
Registration
N6880L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Failure of the engine cooling system's thermostat, causing the engine to overheat and seize. Contributing to the accident was the fence.

NTSB narrative

The engine started overheating. The pilot turned around to return to the airport. On approach at approximately 500 feet, the engine seized. The pilot attempted to make a forced landing in a field, but the airplane landed hard on the terrain, bending the landing gear. It then slid 80 feet and struck a fence. The pilot reported that the thermostat failed, causing the engine to overheat and seize.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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