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NTSB Report
September 18, 1991 · Donald W Sorrels VANS RV-6 · N391DS
Kennewick, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Kennewick, WA
Aircraft
Donald W Sorrels VANS RV-6
Tail Number
N391DS
Operator
Donald W Sorrels
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA91LA243
THE PILOT REDUCED POWER TO IDLE WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH FOR THE FIRST LANDING IN THE HOMEBUILT ACFT AND THE ENGINE QUIT. HE INITIATED A FORCED LANDING AND THE ACFT IMPACTED SOFT TERRAIN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER. POST ACCIDENT TESTS OF THE ENGINE REVEALED LOW IDLE RPM SETTING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE LOSS OF POWER DUE TO THE PILOT/BUILDER'S IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SOFT TERRAIN AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REDUCED POWER TO IDLE WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH FOR THE FIRST LANDING IN THE HOMEBUILT ACFT AND THE ENGINE QUIT. HE INITIATED A FORCED LANDING AND THE ACFT IMPACTED SOFT TERRAIN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER. POST ACCIDENT TESTS OF THE ENGINE REVEALED LOW IDLE RPM SETTING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 PDT
Nearest AirportKennewick (0nm N)
Runway2
Runway Length3490 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDonald W Sorrels VANS RV-6
Tail NumberN391DS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDonald W Sorrels
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D1A · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 71 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 9 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:45
Weather SourceWFAC