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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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August 27, 1994 · Frith Challenger II Challenger · N7051P

Fairfield, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 27, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Fairfield, IA
Aircraft
Frith Challenger II Challenger
Tail Number
N7051P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA302

THE PILOT STATED THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WAS CLIMBING THROUGH ABOUT 300 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AFTER TAKEOFF WHEN THE DRIVE BELT FROM THE ENGINE TO THE PROPELLER BROKE. DURING THE ENSUING FORCED LANDING, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A POLE AND POWERLINES, THEN FELL TO THE GROUND. THE AIRPLANE HAD 185 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME.

NTSB Probable Cause

the total failure and separation of the propeller system drive belt. Obstacles (powerlines and pole) were a factor in the accident.

Full Narrative

On August 26, 1994, about 1920 central daylight time, a Frith Challenger II, N7051P, piloted by the owner/builder, experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff from a private airstrip in Fairfield, Iowa. The homebuilt airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck a pole and powerlines during the ensuing forced landing. The private pilot received minor injuries, and the one passenger on board the airplane reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the private grass strip approximately 1918 with an intended destination of the Fairfield Municipal Airport, in Fairfield, Iowa. The pilot stated the airplane was climbing through about 300 feet above ground level (AGL) after takeoff when "...the drive belt from the engine to the propeller broke... ." The pilot attempted to return to the private airstrip for a forced landing, but the airplane struck a pole and powerlines, and impacted the ground short of the runway. Postaccident investigation revealed the drive belt had separated. The drive belt was not located during the investigation. The airplane was originally certificated in February, 1989, and had 185 hours total flight time. The pilot submitted a brief written statement to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.) Despite numerous attempts to obtain a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2 from the pilot, this office did not receive the completed Form.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:20 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFrith Challenger II Challenger
Tail NumberN7051P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 52
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data