Pilot Debrief

PICARD ROY J RV 4 near Marathon, TX — 2015-03-23

Final reportCEN15LA179
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Date
2015-03-23
Location
Marathon, TX, USA
Aircraft
PICARD ROY J RV 4
Registration
N945RV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff climb, the engine sputtered, followed by a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing into a field, and the airplane impacted a fence and nosed over. A postaccident examination of the fuel system, engine, and cockpit controls revealed no evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing engine sputter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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