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NTSB Report

November 28, 2002 · Shepherd Kolb Mark III · N4672D

Norfork, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 28, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Norfork, AR
Aircraft
Shepherd Kolb Mark III
Tail Number
N4672D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW03LA052

Shortly after takeoff, the homebuilt experimental airplane lost power approximately 100 feet AGL. During the ensuing forced landing, and the airplane descended through trees and came to rest upright. Examination of the engine revealed water in the carburetor bowl. According to the pilot, the airplane was flown for 5 hours in the past 90 days and the fuel tank was left half full for a "long time" before being filled prior to the day of the flight. The pilot reported that he had sumped the fuel tank during pre-flight prior to the accident flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident were the trees.

Full Narrative

On November 28, 2002, at 1456 central standard time, a Shepherd Kolb Mark III homebuilt experimental airplane, N4672D, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power shortly after takeoff from a private grass airstrip near Norfork, Arkansas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The 350-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that, prior to take off, he refueled the airplane with 28 gallons of 93-octane automotive fuel and checked the fuel sump for signs of contamination. After a normal takeoff, the engine "quit" approximately 100 feet AGL. Subsequently, the airplane descended into a tree line and came to rest upright. The pilot reported that the airplane sustained structural damage to the cabin section of the fuselage and the right wing. He also reported that he found water in the carburetor bowl. Upon discovering water in the carburetor bowl, the pilot drained 26 gallons of fuel from the tank and found no visible signs of water. The pilot stated that he suspected that "fuel contamination" was the reason for the loss of engine power. The pilot further reported to an FAA inspector who responded to the site of the accident, that the airplane had been flown for 5 hours in the past 90 days and the fuel tank was left half full for a "long time" before being filled prior to the day of the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:56 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftShepherd Kolb Mark III
Tail NumberN4672D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · 2200 · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
Wind180° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 39 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data