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NTSB Report
October 4, 1986 · Smith & R Mathews RV-4 · N63SM
Lincoln, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lincoln, CA
Aircraft
Smith & R Mathews RV-4
Tail Number
N63SM
Operator
Ray H Smith
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX87DVG01
DURING A LOCAL TEST FLIGHT OF AN EXPERIMENTAL HOME BUILT ACFT, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AT APRX 3000 FT AGL. UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT, THE PLT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD. APRX ONE FT ABOVE THE TWO FOOT HIGH GRASS, THE PLT RAISED THE NOSE TO FLARE WHEN THE ACFT ENTERED A STALL. THE LEFT WING DROPPED AND DRAGGED ON THE GROUND. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED UPON TOUCHDOWN AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT A SAFETY WIRE HAD NOT BEEN INSTALLED AND THE GASCALATOR WAS LOOSE. APRX 1 TABLESPOON OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINES BETWEEN THE GASCALATOR AND THE CARBURETOR.
Full Narrative
DURING A LOCAL TEST FLIGHT OF AN EXPERIMENTAL HOME BUILT ACFT, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AT APRX 3000 FT AGL. UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT, THE PLT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD. APRX ONE FT ABOVE THE TWO FOOT HIGH GRASS, THE PLT RAISED THE NOSE TO FLARE WHEN THE ACFT ENTERED A STALL. THE LEFT WING DROPPED AND DRAGGED ON THE GROUND. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED UPON TOUCHDOWN AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT A SAFETY WIRE HAD NOT BEEN INSTALLED AND THE GASCALATOR WAS LOOSE. APRX 1 TABLESPOON OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINES BETWEEN THE GASCALATOR AND THE CARBURETOR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 PDT
Nearest AirportLincoln Municipal (1nm N)
Runway15
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSmith & R Mathews RV-4
Tail NumberN63SM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRay H Smith
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-AIA · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 12 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC