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August 21, 2002 · Dodd RV-4 · N62VR

Tehachapi, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Tehachapi, CA
Aircraft
Dodd RV-4
Tail Number
N62VR
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA256

The airplane nosed over during a forced landing in a field following a loss of engine power during the departure climb. The pilot manufactured the airplane, and it was undergoing its first test flight following the issuance of a Special Airworthiness Certificate. Approximately 10 minutes after takeoff the engine lost power. The pilot elected to land in a field. The landing forced debris into the wheel pants, which locked up the wheels. The airplane nosed over coming to rest inverted. Post accident examination of the engine by an FAA inspector revealed a fuel leak around the "B" nut that attached the aluminum fuel line to the throttle body. Removal of the nut and line revealed that the line cracked at the point of the flare. The builder had manufactured and installed this line.

NTSB Probable Cause

the owner/builder's improperly fabricated and installed fuel line, which cracked at the point of the flare, resulting in a fuel leak and loss of engine power during the takeoff climb. A contributing factor was the soft terrain that jammed the landing gear wheels, nosing over the airplane during the ensuing forced landing.

Full Narrative

On August 21, 2002, at 1359 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Dodd RV-4 airplane, N62VR, nosed over during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during the initial climb out from the Tehachapi Municipal Airport (TSP), Tehachapi, California. The airplane, operated by the owner/builder under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area test flight, which departed about 10 minutes earlier. A flight plan had not been filed. In a written statement, the pilot stated that approximately 10 minutes after takeoff the "engine quit." He executed an emergency landing into an uncultivated field about 1/4 mile southeast of the airport. The landing forced debris into the wheel pants, which locked up the wheels. The airplane nosed over, coming to rest upside down. The pilot manufactured the airplane, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate on August 17, 2002. It was undergoing its first test flight for Phase 1 flight testing required by FAR Part 91.319. The FAA inspector who responded to the accident interviewed the pilot. The pilot stated that prior to takeoff he did a number of full power ground runs followed by two high-speed taxi tests. After takeoff the engine began to surge and run rough. The pilot richened the mixture; however, the engine lost power. The FAA inspector examined the airplane on August 22, 2002. The airplane had been moved to a hangar. Post accident examination of the engine revealed a fuel leak from a "B" nut of an aluminum hard line that supplied metered fuel to the throttle body. The inspector removed this line, and found a crack at the point of the flare. The builder had manufactured and installed this line.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:59 PDT
Nearest AirportTehachapi Municipal (0nm)
Runway11
Runway Length4035 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDodd RV-4
Tail NumberN62VR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time20:46
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data