Pilot Debrief

Vans RV 6 near Spanaway, WA — 2019-10-23

Final reportWPR20LA014
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Date
2019-10-23
Location
Spanaway, WA, USA
Airport
3B8
Aircraft
Vans RV 6
Registration
N615RJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during the initial climb for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the initial taxi and engine run-up were normal; however, during the takeoff roll, the engine sputtered and the pilot aborted the takeoff. A subsequent engine run-up revealed no anomalies, and the pilot elected to take off again. As the airplane climbed through about 200 ft above ground level, the engine began to sputter and, shortly after, lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open field near the airport, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported 18 gallons of fuel onboard before departure. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The amount of fuel onboard at the time of the accident was not determined, but the fuel remaining in the wing tanks after the accident did not display evidence of contamination. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen not to take off after initial engine sputter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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